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
The Patterson family contends the illness was consistent with food poisoning.
—
Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 31 May 2024
The full impact of the RSV vaccine isn’t clear yet, but Japanese public-health experts estimated that in their country alone, the shot could prevent 20% of respiratory illnesses and 27% of deaths linked to the virus.
—Alice Park, TIME, 30 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for illness 
Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 31 May 2024
The full impact of the RSV vaccine isn’t clear yet, but Japanese public-health experts estimated that in their country alone, the shot could prevent 20% of respiratory illnesses and 27% of deaths linked to the virus.
—Alice Park, TIME, 30 May 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 3 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
illness
noun
ill·ness
ˈil-nəs 
1
: an unhealthy condition of body or mind
2
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