sickness

noun

sick·​ness ˈsik-nəs 

1

a

: ill health : illness

b

: a disordered, weakened, or unsound condition

2

: a specific disease

3

: nausea, queasiness

Synonyms of sickness

• illness

Examples of sickness in a Sentence

He died from an unknown sickness.

she was plagued by sickness most of her adult life

Recent Examples on the Web

Washing sheets in hot water every time isn’t necessary for linens that are lightly soiled—think no sweaty nights or sickness. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 Jan. 2026

Boost immunity with vitamin D 🤧 Vitamin C isn’t your only secret weapon against winter sickness. —Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 21 Jan. 2026

Hitching your wagon to Willis, so to speak, could be along the lines of Tua to that contract extension in 2024 from the standpoint you’re bound to that player, in sickness and in health. —Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 20 Jan. 2026

Beverly’s defense had no answer for Vella, and classmate Jimmy Farrell staved off a mid-week sickness to deliver a clinic on his home floor with an immaculate midrange shooting. —Justin Barrasso, Boston Herald, 17 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing sickness

• acute mountain sickness
• African sleeping sickness
• altitude sickness
• decompression sickness
• milk sickness
• morning sickness
• motion sickness
• mountain sickness
• radiation sickness
• serum sickness
• sickness benefit
• sleeping sickness
• travel sickness

Rhymes for sickness

• quickness
• thickness
• homesickness
• seasickness

Kids Definition

sickness

noun

sick·​ness ˈsik-nəs 

1

: ill health : illness

2

: a specific disease : malady

3

: nausea sense 1

Medical Definition

sickness

noun

sick·​ness ˈsik-nəs 

1

: the condition of being ill : ill health

2

: a specific disease

3

: nausea