diseases

USAGE SUMMARY

'diseases' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an illness, disorder, or condition that is caused by pathogens like bacteria and viruses, or to refer to a medical condition caused by unhealthy lifestyle habits or environmental factors. Example sentence: It is important for people to be aware of the various diseases that exist and how to prevent them.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This might not be a problem if it were a drug for TB, malaria or AIDS – but critics of the HPV donation asked why cervical cancer received such a comprehensive effort in Rwanda – reaching 95% for 11-year-old girls when disease incidence lags well behind other vaccine-preventable diseases in the developing world (read the Rwandan health minister's persuasive rebuttal).

The Guardian

By framing TB and HIV screening within a battery of other healthy living tests, including pregnancy, diabetes and hypertension, people are encouraged to get tested for the diseases.

The Guardian

I do not think those (immigrants) with life threatening diseases should be treated by NHS".

The Guardian

A collaboration between the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and the British and American Red Cross, Missing Maps aims to use remote mapping to develop free, open-source maps for every settlement on Earth – particularly those areas prone to disaster and diseases such as Ebola.

The Guardian

From bubonic plague in the middle ages to bird flu or Sars in the 21st century, infectious diseases have spread horrifyingly fast in cities, where people live in close proximity and sometimes crowded together.

The Guardian

While infectious and contagious diseases are the most obvious hazard, it is now recognised that the urban environment also has a major part to play in chronic illness.

The Guardian

Health programmes for diseases such as malaria and TB are in vogue, but investment in health workers remains insufficient to meet the needs of local populations.

The Guardian

"I also hope that politicians of all parties develop a better understanding of alcoholism, take it more seriously and devise policies to treat it as a disease on a par with the other major diseases.

The Guardian

About 80% of Lagos's piped water supplies are thought to be stolen, only 5% of people receive it in their houses, taps are often dry, sanitation is non-existent across much of the metropolis and the hospitals are full of people suffering diarrheal and other water-borne diseases.

The Guardian

The animals came from various places in Oman, suggesting the virus or one like it was widespread in camels across the country, said the researchers in their paper in the journal Lancet Infectious Diseases.

The Guardian

It said it was increasing operations to help more families with heating, children's clothes and a vaccination programme to protect up to a million children against measles and other diseases.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "diseases" when referring to multiple illnesses or conditions affecting a population or a specific group.

Common error

Avoid using "diseases" when you actually mean symptoms. "Diseases" are the conditions themselves, while symptoms are the manifestations of those conditions.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "diseases" is as a plural noun. It refers to multiple instances of illness or medical conditions, either in general or with specific attributes. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's a correct term to use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "diseases" is a grammatically correct and very common plural noun used to refer to multiple illnesses or medical conditions. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English. It is frequently found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When writing about "diseases", it's important to be specific. Alternatives include "illnesses", "ailments", and "conditions", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Avoid confusing "diseases" with their symptoms. It's a versatile term suitable for a wide range of communications related to health and medicine.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

illnesses

Focuses more generally on the state of being unwell.

sicknesses

Similar to "illnesses" but can sometimes imply a more severe state.

ailments

Refers to minor or chronic health problems.

conditions

A broader term that includes both diseases and other health-related states.

disorders

Focuses on a disruption of normal physical or mental functions.

health problems

A general way to refer to issues affecting someone's health.

medical conditions

More formal and specific than "health problems".

afflictions

Suggests a state of suffering caused by a disease or problem.

infirmities

Often refers to weaknesses or ailments associated with old age.

pathologies

A more scientific term related to the study of diseases.

FAQs

How do I use "diseases" in a sentence?

You can use "diseases" to refer to multiple illnesses or conditions. For example, "Vaccinations help prevent the spread of infectious diseases".

What are some alternatives to saying "diseases"?

You can use alternatives like "illnesses", "ailments", or "conditions" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "diseases" and "disorders"?

"Diseases" generally refer to illnesses with specific causes and symptoms, while "disorders" can refer to any disruption of normal physical or mental functions.

Are "diseases" always caused by infections?

No, not all "diseases" are caused by infections. Some diseases are caused by genetic factors, lifestyle choices, or environmental factors.