1
a
b
: an unhealthy condition of body or mind
2
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
She's battled many illnesses, but her health is much better now, and the disease is undetectable.
—
Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Aug. 2025
Qualifying conditions are narrowly defined to include treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, substance use disorder, and terminal illness.
—Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
In the middle of the montage, Anna gets left alone on a beach, signifying that Jamie has succumbed to his illness and died.
—Caroline Blair, People.com, 1 Aug. 2025
No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recall at this time, according to High Noon.
—Cheryl V. Jackson, The Courier-Journal, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illness
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Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Aug. 2025
Qualifying conditions are narrowly defined to include treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, substance use disorder, and terminal illness.
—Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
In the middle of the montage, Anna gets left alone on a beach, signifying that Jamie has succumbed to his illness and died.
—Caroline Blair, People.com, 1 Aug. 2025
No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recall at this time, according to High Noon.
—Cheryl V. Jackson, The Courier-Journal, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illness
Cite this Entry
“Illness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illness. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
illness
noun
ill·ness
ˈil-nəs 
1
: an unhealthy condition of body or mind
2
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