1
2
: a harmful development (as in a social institution)
sees the city's crime as a disease
3
obsolete
: trouble
Examples of disease in a Sentence
He suffers from a rare genetic disease.
a disease of the mind
Thousands die of heart disease each year.
They are working to stop the spread of disease in rural areas.
The article cites intolerance as one of the most dangerous of society's diseases.
He sees crime as a disease that too often plagues the poor and disadvantaged.
Recent Examples on the Web
Draper previously told The Times that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease but remained fit to serve on the bench.
—
Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026
Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month is observed annually, every June, to promote brain and cognitive health initiatives, raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and preventative measures, and encourage research participation to learn about early detection.
—Wendy Coschignano-Ford, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 June 2026
Sometimes the cure is worse than the disease.
—Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
According to the National Cancer Institute, SEF is so uncommon that there is limited data available about treatment for the disease as well as how many people have it.
—Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for disease
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Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026
Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month is observed annually, every June, to promote brain and cognitive health initiatives, raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and preventative measures, and encourage research participation to learn about early detection.
—Wendy Coschignano-Ford, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 June 2026
Sometimes the cure is worse than the disease.
—Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
According to the National Cancer Institute, SEF is so uncommon that there is limited data available about treatment for the disease as well as how many people have it.
—Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for disease
Cite this Entry
“Disease.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disease. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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Medical Definition
disease
noun
dis·ease
diz-ˈēz 
: an impairment of the normal state of the living animal or plant body or one of its parts that interrupts or modifies the performance of the vital functions, is typically manifested by distinguishing signs and symptoms, and is a response to environmental factors (as malnutrition, industrial hazards, or climate), to specific infective agents (as worms, bacteria, or viruses), to inherent defects of the organism (as genetic anomalies), or to combinations of these factors : sickness, illness
called also morbus
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
