illness

ill·ness | \ ˈil-nəs

How to pronounce illness (audio)

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Definition of illness

1a : sickness sense 2

b : an unhealthy condition of body or mind

2 obsolete

b : unpleasantness

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about illness

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Examples of illness in a Sentence

Her body was not able to defend itself against illness. Hundreds of soldiers died from illness and hunger. He showed no signs of illness. Scientists have not yet found a cure for this illness. cancer, diabetes, and other illnesses She died at the age of 60 after a brief illness.

Recent Examples on the Web Ohio State does not differentiate between injury, illness, positive test for coronavirus or other reasons on its status report. — Nathan Baird, cleveland, "Which Ohio State players are out against Alabama in the College Football Playoff national championship?," 12 Jan. 2021 Protest leaders say about 60 of their ranks have died from illness or suicide, though an exact figure couldn’t be determined. — New York Times, "In the Cold and Rain, India’s Farmers Press Their Stand Against Modi," 9 Jan. 2021 Frustrations are growing that vaccinations for nursing home residents, who are at much higher risk of grave COVID-19 illness or death, and staff at those facilities have fallen behind schedule. — Catherine Ho, SFChronicle.com, "California’s vaccination efforts are off to a slow start. Here’s why," 5 Jan. 2021 At high levels, the toxin can cause illness and death in pets. — Tribune News Service, oregonlive, "Sportmix dog, cat foods recalled after 28 dogs die," 31 Dec. 2020 There is, of course, a fine line between supporting a partner and dominating her; between showing respect for an illness and disrespect for a fellow adult; between supporting a partner and taking on a dependent. — Washington Post, "Carolyn Hax: How to respectfully support a depressed partner," 30 Dec. 2020 Trump has done exactly nothing to help the millions of Americans still in need of adequate health coverage, and almost nothing to assist the millions driven to the fringes of the economy by illness and job losses due to COVID-19. — Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, "Column: He was convicted in a historic healthcare fraud. Trump is letting him walk free," 29 Dec. 2020 The charity supports and stage managers displaced by injury, illness, old age or financial hardship during the coronavirus pandemic. — Cydney Henderson, USA TODAY, "Prince Charles joins Hollywood royalty for cheery reading: ''Twas the night before Christmas'," 25 Dec. 2020 With more than 1,000 residents still hospitalized with COVID-19 and many hundreds testing positive each day, Connecticut faces plenty of illness and suffering to come. — Alex Putterman, courant.com, "Daily coronavirus updates: Entering holidays, Connecticut hopes its COVID-19 peak has passed, but numbers, experts suggest it’s too soon to celebrate," 24 Dec. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'illness.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near illness

illness anxiety disorder

Statistics for illness

Last Updated

19 Jan 2021

Cite this Entry

“Illness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illness. Accessed 24 Jan. 2021.

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More Definitions for illness

illness

noun

English Language Learners Definition of illness

: a condition of being unhealthy in your body or mind

: a specific condition that prevents your body or mind from working normally : a sickness or disease

See the full definition for illness in the English Language Learners Dictionary

illness

ill·ness | \ ˈil-nəs

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Kids Definition of illness

1 : an unhealthy condition of the body or mind Germs can cause illness.

2 : a specific sickness or disease Colds are a common illness.

illness

ill·ness | \ ˈil-nəs

\

Medical Definition of illness

: an unhealthy condition of body or mind : sickness

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