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
Her two-year-old son Alex — whose presence is always felt, but never seen — requires around-the-clock care for his chronic illnesses.
—
Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Apr. 2024
The two embark on a whirlwind romance, but just as things start to work out for AJ, Kristen’s life begins falling apart, shattered by illness.
—Jamie Lang, Variety, 23 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for illness 
Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Apr. 2024
The two embark on a whirlwind romance, but just as things start to work out for AJ, Kristen’s life begins falling apart, shattered by illness.
—Jamie Lang, Variety, 23 Apr. 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 5 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
illness
noun
ill·ness
ˈil-nəs 
1
: an unhealthy condition of body or mind
2
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