illness

USAGE SUMMARY

'illness' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person's physical or mental condition which requires medical attention or causes discomfort. Example sentence: My father has been suffering from a chronic illness which has led to considerable loss of mobility.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Our tendency to slip into predetermined patterns isn't reserved solely for those facing the big issues, from mental illness to addiction, bereavement to ill health.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Or is it the other way around: that the kind of people who make it to the top of this game are the kind of intense, driven individuals whose very self-obsession makes them more vulnerable to mental illness?

The Guardian - Sport

I am miserable because one of the two people I love most is not recovering from his illness.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Durst's lawyers expressed concern mostly about ease of access to their client, although they also told the court they did not believe their client suffered from "an acute mental illness", according to the court filings.

The Guardian

In the eight months since the killing of unarmed teenager Michael Brown brought increased focus on police violence, more and more officer-involved shootings that also involve mental illness have come to light.

The Guardian

For example, Richard Layard's work on happiness has focused a great deal of attention on mental illness.

The Guardian

She knew I would write about her fatal illness".

The Guardian - Books

The first was written during Lucinda's final illness and describes a holiday the couple took on Crete after discovering that she had only a year and a half to live.

The Guardian - Books

Having attended both comprehensive and private secondary schools, and been educated at home because of illness, she may be more open to new thinking than some of her predecessors.

The Guardian

"It is a very, very serious mental illness that needs to be recognised for what it is.

The Guardian

Turner confirms this, adding: "Another thing that's a part of the schizophrenic illness syndrome is the idea that your body has been interfered with," he tells me.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "illness", be specific about the type of "illness" if possible to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying 'He is suffering from an illness', specify 'He is suffering from influenza' or 'He is suffering from a mental illness'.

Common error

Don't use "illness" as a catch-all term when you have specific knowledge about the medical condition. Being precise enhances clarity and professionalism in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The noun "illness" primarily functions as a subject or object in sentences, denoting a state of being unwell. It's used to describe a range of conditions affecting physical or mental health, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Lifestyle

12%

Books

10%

Less common in

Opinion

5%

Society

5%

Politics

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "illness" is a very common noun used to describe a state of poor health, both physical and mental. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's primarily used in neutral contexts such as News & Media, Lifestyle, and Books, and it functions as a subject or object in sentences. While it's important to be specific about the type of "illness" when possible, the term is widely understood and accepted. Related terms include "sickness", "disease", and "ailment". Avoiding vague language when more precise information is available is recommended to improve clarity and professionalism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sickness

Synonym of "illness", often used interchangeably to refer to a state of being unwell.

ailment

Refers to a minor "illness" or health problem.

disease

Indicates a more serious or specific medical condition than a general "illness".

malady

A formal or literary term for "illness", often implying a chronic or deep-seated condition.

health problem

A broader term encompassing any issue affecting one's health, including "illnesses".

medical condition

A neutral term referring to any state of health requiring medical attention, which could include an "illness".

state of health

Refers to someone's overall condition. "Illness" implies a negative state of health.

debilitation

Emphasizes the weakening or disabling effect of an "illness".

affliction

Implies suffering or distress caused by an "illness" or other condition.

condition

A general term referring to one's physical or mental status, where "illness" suggests a negative condition.

FAQs

How can I use "illness" in a sentence?

You can use "illness" to refer to a disease or period of sickness affecting the body or mind. For example, "Her long illness kept her away from work" or "Mental illness affects millions of people worldwide".

What are some synonyms for "illness"?

Some synonyms for "illness" include "sickness", "disease", "ailment", and "malady". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "illness" and "disease"?

"Illness" is a more general term referring to a condition of being unhealthy, while "disease" refers to a specific condition with identifiable symptoms and causes. You might have an illness without knowing the specific disease.

Is it appropriate to use "illness" when referring to mental health?

Yes, "illness" is commonly used when discussing mental health. You can refer to conditions like depression or anxiety as mental illnesses. It's a widely accepted and understood term in this context.