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
Mahler died in 1911 from illnesses exacerbated by a heart condition, at just 50.
—
Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
Tocchet also announced Sunday that goaltender Thatcher Demko would be shut down for the season due to illness, which necessitated an emergency call-up of Nikita Tolopilo on Saturday.
—Thomas Drance, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Death may force the succession of leadership, but so might incapacitation due to injury or illness, a desire to pursue other interests or even a spouse insisting on a move to a warmer climate.
—Gerry Spitzer, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
During its workshops, outdoor workers learn what heat illness is and its symptoms as well as how to help co-workers suffering from extreme heat.
—Mimi Whitefield, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 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.
Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
Tocchet also announced Sunday that goaltender Thatcher Demko would be shut down for the season due to illness, which necessitated an emergency call-up of Nikita Tolopilo on Saturday.
—Thomas Drance, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Death may force the succession of leadership, but so might incapacitation due to injury or illness, a desire to pursue other interests or even a spouse insisting on a move to a warmer climate.
—Gerry Spitzer, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
During its workshops, outdoor workers learn what heat illness is and its symptoms as well as how to help co-workers suffering from extreme heat.
—Mimi Whitefield, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 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 22 Apr. 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