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
The British royal family has been facing its fair share of drama lately, with King Charles’ illness taking center stage.
—
Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 9 July 2025
There have been no injuries or illnesses reported to Mondelēz Global to date.
—Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 9 July 2025
Having more information about the effects of injury, age, and disease on human cells can help researchers understand how cancers and other illnesses form, potentially contributing to new therapies.
—semafor.com, 9 July 2025
Similarly, disability insurance replaces your income if injury or illness prevents you from working for an extended period.
—True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for illness
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Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 9 July 2025
There have been no injuries or illnesses reported to Mondelēz Global to date.
—Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 9 July 2025
Having more information about the effects of injury, age, and disease on human cells can help researchers understand how cancers and other illnesses form, potentially contributing to new therapies.
—semafor.com, 9 July 2025
Similarly, disability insurance replaces your income if injury or illness prevents you from working for an extended period.
—True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 9 July 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 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
illness
noun
ill·ness
ˈil-nəs 
1
: an unhealthy condition of body or mind
2
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