illness

noun ill·ness \ ˈil-nəs \

|Updated on: 22 Jun 2018

Examples: illness in a Sentence

Definition of illness

1 obsolete

a : wickedness

b : unpleasantness

2 a : an unhealthy condition of body or mind

b : sickness 2

See illness defined for English-language learners

See illness defined for kids

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 of illness from the Web

Although foods high in vitamin C won’t stop your flu symptoms, eating them regularly may help prevent illness down the line.

— alexandra sifferlin, Time, "11 Best Foods For Your Immune System," 19 June 2018
O'Bryant said these findings are helpful because one of the goals of the study is to improve how genetic information about a person's illnesses is being used to diagnose or treat them.

— hanaa’ tameez and rodger mallison, star-telegram, "Mexican-Americans show signs of Alzheimer's 10 years earlier than others, study says," 19 June 2018
The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment.

— rick barrett, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Salmonella outbreak tied to melons sold at Costco stores, including several in Wisconsin," 19 June 2018
The federal government pays more for Medicare Advantage members that have more illnesses.

— harold brubaker, Philly.com, "Dedicated Senior Medical Centers enter Philadelphia in deal with Independence Blue Cross," 18 June 2018
The persistent anxiety itself becomes a debilitating illness.

— New York Times, "A New Approach to Treating Hypochondria," 18 June 2018
There are snippets about his late father, bent toward discipline with a whirling belt and who resented his son, having been told by doctors that the boy's birth might have triggered his wife's illness.

— eric adler, kansascity, "Unmasked: Inside the miraculous, mad, mysterious life of Dr. MooMoo," 17 June 2018
Producer Knxwledge was absent reportedly due to illness from Anderson .Paak’s set, leaving the singer/rapper to rock NxWorries songs by himself with the help of his DJ.

— eric diep, Billboard, "Erykah Badu, Miguel & More Bring Back the Spirit of Smokin' Grooves in Long Beach," 17 June 2018
The illness can cause serious and fatal infections in children, elderly and those with weakened immune systems.

— peter martinez, CBS News, "Kellogg's voluntarily recalls Honey Smacks cereal over possible salmonella contamination," 15 June 2018

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.

First Known Use of illness

circa 1500

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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illness Synonyms

ILLNESS Defined for English Language Learners

illness

noun

Definition of illness for English Language Learners

: 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