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 ongoing outbreak in animals has also led to at least 67 human cases of bird flu, with all but one causing mild illness.
—
Emily Mullin, WIRED, 22 Jan. 2025
The event supports families whose children are suffering from life-threatening illnesses, diseases, and disorders.
—Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Jan. 2025
The only other Premier League game the 24-year-old Argentina international had been absent for this season was the visit to Bournemouth in September, due to illness.
—Simon Johnson, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
Sharks defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic was held out Monday due to illness.
—Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for illness 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Emily Mullin, WIRED, 22 Jan. 2025
The event supports families whose children are suffering from life-threatening illnesses, diseases, and disorders.
—Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Jan. 2025
The only other Premier League game the 24-year-old Argentina international had been absent for this season was the visit to Bournemouth in September, due to illness.
—Simon Johnson, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
Sharks defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic was held out Monday due to illness.
—Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for illness
Dictionary Entries Near illness
Cite this Entry
“Illness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illness. Accessed 26 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
illness
noun
ill·ness
ˈil-nəs 
1
: an unhealthy condition of body or mind
2
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share