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
Robert MacNeil, whose coverage of the Watergate scandal led to the first nightly newscast for PBS, died Friday in Manhattan after a long illness.
—
Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2024
Many are running up against the deadline in light of personal challenges, maybe the birth of a baby, an illness, or a death in the family.
—Detroit Free Press, 12 Apr. 2024
The physicist died peacefully at his home on April 8 after a brief illness, per the university.
—Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Apr. 2024
Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by toxins released by bacteria that attack the nervous system.
—Deidre McPhillips, CNN, 10 Apr. 2024
The Post-Gazette and ProPublica previously identified reports that described nearly 2,000 cases of cancer, 600 liver and kidney illnesses, and 17,000 respiratory ailments.
—Michael Korsh, ProPublica, 9 Apr. 2024
None of those communities qualify for aid under the only federal law to compensate civilians who sustained serious illnesses from the nation’s nuclear weapons program.
—Catie Edmondson, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2024
While this illness can have severe symptoms, including death, a serious infection commonly called meningitis can form in the lining of the brain and spinal cord and bloodstream, according to the CDC.
—USA TODAY, 30 Mar. 2024
In court, it was argued Gypsy was a victim of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a form of child abuse that involves a guardian exaggerating or inducing illness to gain sympathy.
—Christine Pelisek, Peoplemag, 29 Mar. 2024
Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2024
Many are running up against the deadline in light of personal challenges, maybe the birth of a baby, an illness, or a death in the family.
—Detroit Free Press, 12 Apr. 2024
The physicist died peacefully at his home on April 8 after a brief illness, per the university.
—Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Apr. 2024
Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by toxins released by bacteria that attack the nervous system.
—Deidre McPhillips, CNN, 10 Apr. 2024
The Post-Gazette and ProPublica previously identified reports that described nearly 2,000 cases of cancer, 600 liver and kidney illnesses, and 17,000 respiratory ailments.
—Michael Korsh, ProPublica, 9 Apr. 2024
None of those communities qualify for aid under the only federal law to compensate civilians who sustained serious illnesses from the nation’s nuclear weapons program.
—Catie Edmondson, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2024
While this illness can have severe symptoms, including death, a serious infection commonly called meningitis can form in the lining of the brain and spinal cord and bloodstream, according to the CDC.
—USA TODAY, 30 Mar. 2024
In court, it was argued Gypsy was a victim of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a form of child abuse that involves a guardian exaggerating or inducing illness to gain sympathy.
—Christine Pelisek, Peoplemag, 29 Mar. 2024
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.
Word History
First Known Use
circa 1500, in the meaning defined at sense 2a
Phrases Containing illness
Dictionary Entries Near illness
Cite this Entry
“Illness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illness. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
illness
noun
ill·ness
ˈil-nəs 
1
: an unhealthy condition of body or mind
2
More from Merriam-Webster on illness
Nglish: Translation of illness for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of illness for Arabic Speakers
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