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
Sutherland died Thursday in Miami after a long illness, according to a statement from Creative Artists Agency, which represented him.
—
Jake Coyle, The Denver Post, 22 June 2024
Signs of heat cramps Heat cramps may be the first sign of illness that could lead to more serious symptoms.
—Katie Wiseman, The Indianapolis Star, 21 June 2024
All three people had mild illnesses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
—Sarah Volpenhein, Journal Sentinel, 21 June 2024
The Oscar winner, 55, shared a short message via social media in memory of his late friend and Six Degrees of Separation costar following news of his June 20 death after a long illness.
—Angel Saunders, Peoplemag, 21 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for illness 
Jake Coyle, The Denver Post, 22 June 2024
Signs of heat cramps Heat cramps may be the first sign of illness that could lead to more serious symptoms.
—Katie Wiseman, The Indianapolis Star, 21 June 2024
All three people had mild illnesses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
—Sarah Volpenhein, Journal Sentinel, 21 June 2024
The Oscar winner, 55, shared a short message via social media in memory of his late friend and Six Degrees of Separation costar following news of his June 20 death after a long illness.
—Angel Saunders, Peoplemag, 21 June 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 7 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
illness
noun
ill·ness
ˈil-nəs 
1
: an unhealthy condition of body or mind
2
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