1
a
b
: an unhealthy condition of body or mind
2
Synonyms
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
The Air Force veteran's work was based at the Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands, and he's suffered his own share of illnesses.
—
Claudia Grisales, NPR, 6 May 2024
Then a year later, it got complicated with Neil’s illness.
—Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 6 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for illness 
Claudia Grisales, NPR, 6 May 2024
Then a year later, it got complicated with Neil’s illness.
—Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 6 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for illness
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'illness.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near illness
Cite this Entry
“Illness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illness. Accessed 9 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
illness
noun
ill·ness
ˈil-nəs 
1
: an unhealthy condition of body or mind
2
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