illness

noun

ill·​ness ˈil-nəs 

1

a

: sickness sense 2

b

: an unhealthy condition of body or mind

2

obsolete

a

: wickedness

b

: unpleasantness

Synonyms

• affection
• ail
• ailment
• bug
• complaint
• complication
• condition
• disease
• disorder
• distemper
• distemperature
• fever
• ill
• infirmity
• malady
• sickness
• trouble

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

Health experts said that could deter more Americans from receiving Covid shots and routine immunizations against various diseases that have for decades saved millions of lives and prevented crippling illnesses. —Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024

With chronic illness, little moments like these become milestones. —Alana Kaufman, TIME, 4 Nov. 2024

While no illnesses have been reported, officials urge consumers to discard the products or return them for refunds. —David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024

In June, four Kansas City Royals fans were hospitalized for heat illness during an afternoon home game. —Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 2 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1500, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing illness

• bipolar illness
• illness anxiety disorder
• manic-depressive illness
• mental illness

Kids Definition

illness

noun

ill·​ness ˈil-nəs 

1

: an unhealthy condition of body or mind

2

: sickness sense 2

Medical Definition

illness

noun

ill·​ness ˈil-nəs 

: an unhealthy condition of body or mind : sickness