chronic disease

noun

plural chronic diseases

: a disease (such as asthma, coronary heart disease, or diabetes) that continues or occurs again and again for a long time : a medical condition of prolonged duration

… childhood obesity that too often leads to chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure.

—Akiba Solomon

Most oncologists are reluctant to use the word "cure," and tend to speak of cancer as a chronic disease. The goal of treatment is remission, a state in which the cancer can't be detected.

—Sallie Tisdale

More than 2,200 local doctors had voluntarily provided free care to uninsured patients, including surgery, chemotherapy and chronic disease management.

—The Dallas Morning News

Examples of chronic disease in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The toddler years provide a unique opportunity to establish healthy dietary patterns that could reduce the risk of chronic diseases. — Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Shifting resources toward preventive and community-based care can improve health outcomes through earlier diagnosis and treatment and better management of chronic diseases. — Runchana Pongsaparn, Fortune, 31 July 2026

Casino dreams in limbo Tribal citizens are deeply divided over how to reverse decades of economic decline that have led to poor living conditions, unaffordable health services, and chronic disease. — Andrew Jones, NPR, 30 July 2026

These gaps can have a significant effect, as good metabolic health — such as keeping blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check and maintaining a healthy weight — can help prevent chronic disease and promote longevity. — Elise M. Brett, EverydayHealth.com, 29 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for chronic disease

• actuaries
• analyses
• anopheles
• antitheses
• apostrophes
• appendices
• catalyses
• distributees
• examinees
• hypotheses
• interviewees
• isosceles

Medical Definition

chronic disease

noun

: a disease (such as asthma, coronary heart disease, or diabetes) that continues or occurs again and again for a long time : a medical condition of prolonged duration

Millions suffer from debilitating chronic disease caused by smoking. It is a major risk factor in cardiovascular disease, chronic bronchitis and emphysema …

—Phil Gunby, The Journal of the American Medical Association