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
In subsequent updates, Kim said doctors described Micah’s illness as an unusually severe case of the flu.
—
Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 2 Jan. 2026
Heavier drinkers had higher mortality than lighter drinkers, but the study excluded lifelong abstainers — many of whom stop drinking because of illness or medication use.
—Robert M. Kaplan, STAT, 1 Jan. 2026
Understanding how to freeze meat properly can help prevent freezer burn, preserve flavor, and avoid foodborne illness.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 1 Jan. 2026
In May 2003, a severe illness Dunn thought was Parkinson’s disease turned out to be HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus that attacks the immune system and can lead to AIDS.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illness
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Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 2 Jan. 2026
Heavier drinkers had higher mortality than lighter drinkers, but the study excluded lifelong abstainers — many of whom stop drinking because of illness or medication use.
—Robert M. Kaplan, STAT, 1 Jan. 2026
Understanding how to freeze meat properly can help prevent freezer burn, preserve flavor, and avoid foodborne illness.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 1 Jan. 2026
In May 2003, a severe illness Dunn thought was Parkinson’s disease turned out to be HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus that attacks the immune system and can lead to AIDS.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Dec. 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 3 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
illness
noun
ill·ness
ˈil-nəs 
1
: an unhealthy condition of body or mind
2
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