illness

noun

ill·​ness ˈil-nəs How to pronounce illness (audio)
1
b
: an unhealthy condition of body or mind
2
obsolete

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With this move, the FDA will limit the vaccine’s availability later this year to older adults and those who may be at risk of severe illness, Reuters reported. Saleen Martin, USA Today, 23 May 2025 Advertisement Advertisement The group’s report presents four main drivers of chronic childhood illness, laying particular blame on the food children eat and their daily habits. Alana Semuels, Time, 22 May 2025 Most people recover without treatment, however, in rare circumstances, infection can produce more severe illness and require hospitalization. Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 22 May 2025 Listen to this article 5 min Alan Alda is taking on his illness with a smile. Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for illness

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1500, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of illness was circa 1500

Cite this Entry

“Illness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illness. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

illness

noun
ill·​ness ˈil-nəs How to pronounce illness (audio)
1
: an unhealthy condition of body or mind
2

Medical Definition

illness

noun
ill·​ness ˈil-nəs How to pronounce illness (audio)
: an unhealthy condition of body or mind : sickness

More from Merriam-Webster on illness

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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