chronic disease
noun
plural chronic diseases
: a disease (such as asthma, coronary heart disease, or diabetes) that continues or occurs again and again for a long time : a medical condition of prolonged duration
… childhood obesity that too often leads to chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure.—
Akiba Solomon
Akiba SolomonMost oncologists are reluctant to use the word "cure," and tend to speak of cancer as a chronic disease. The goal of treatment is remission, a state in which the cancer can't be detected.—Sallie Tisdale
Sallie TisdaleMore than 2,200 local doctors had voluntarily provided free care to uninsured patients, including surgery, chemotherapy and chronic disease management.—The Dallas Morning News
The Dallas Morning NewsExamples of chronic disease in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Glycation can cause certain products to be created in the body that encourage the development of chronic diseases and aging.
—Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 25 July 2025
More generally, research suggests that walking—which is lower impact than activities like running—contributes to bone and muscle health, reduces the risk of chronic diseases, and enhances mental wellbeing.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 25 July 2025
The activity can improve cardiovascular health, boost mood and energy, reduce stress and anxiety, and even lower the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
—Dana Santas, CNN Money, 24 July 2025
Several blood metabolites and plasma chemistries were also connected to how often people had bowel movements, pointing to possible links between bowel health and chronic diseases.
—Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 19 July 2025
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Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 25 July 2025
More generally, research suggests that walking—which is lower impact than activities like running—contributes to bone and muscle health, reduces the risk of chronic diseases, and enhances mental wellbeing.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 25 July 2025
The activity can improve cardiovascular health, boost mood and energy, reduce stress and anxiety, and even lower the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
—Dana Santas, CNN Money, 24 July 2025
Several blood metabolites and plasma chemistries were also connected to how often people had bowel movements, pointing to possible links between bowel health and chronic diseases.
—Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 19 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for chronic disease
Cite this Entry
“Chronic disease.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chronic%20disease. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
chronic disease
noun
: a disease (such as asthma, coronary heart disease, or diabetes) that continues or occurs again and again for a long time : a medical condition of prolonged duration
Millions suffer from debilitating chronic disease caused by smoking. It is a major risk factor in cardiovascular disease, chronic bronchitis and emphysema …—Phil Gunby, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Phil Gunby, The Journal of the American Medical AssociationLove words? Need even more definitions?
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