sickness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sickness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a state of being ill or unwell, often in a medical or health-related context. Example: "The doctor diagnosed her with a serious sickness that required immediate treatment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ginger is widely believed to help nausea, with some evidence that it is better than placebo in morning sickness and sea-sickness though not necessarily in IBS.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The leaked proposals say the DWP is at high risk of continuing to overspend on sickness and disability benefits in future years because the high-profile programme of welfare reform introduced by Duncan Smith in 2010 "has not realised its goals" of saving money.

The Guardian

The most depressing thing is that so much of the extra sickness in winter and increased pressure on the health service would be much less severe, or altogether preventable, if only everyone lived in a home they could afford to heat.

The Guardian - Opinion

This face of desperation is the face of the 19th century avant garde, risking and even courting sickness with drink and drugs.

The Guardian

The service begins: "Dearly beloved and hated…" and ends with the couple pledging to stay together "in sickness and in health, for richer for poorer, until the bike goes off the road".

The Guardian

We know from research that work teams that are more resilient on the four characteristics are more productive and have lower levels of sickness absence and presenteeism.

The Guardian

Now here we are – fresh out of medical school – dealing routinely with sickness and death.

The Guardian

"He lived next door to his parents and latterly his brother in his grandfather's croft house near Fort William and cared for them through sickness and old age," noted Clegg.

The Guardian

Stage five is the mysterious sickness in its deadliest form.

The Guardian

"We are seeing a 75% decrease in sickness especially water-borne disease such as parasite infections," says Geovanny Santamaria, from global health group Map Ecuador.

The Guardian

But if I go straight to sleep, I have a sense of missing out (whether or not this is a wider symptom of the sickness of modern life is a question for another time).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a specific type of "sickness", be precise by using the medical term for the condition. For instance, instead of saying "He suffered from a sickness", specify "He suffered from pneumonia".

Common error

Avoid using "sickness" when a more specific term is appropriate. Overusing general terms can make your writing vague. If you know the specific ailment, use its name for clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sickness" is as a noun, typically referring to the state of being ill or diseased. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it often functions as the subject or object of a sentence, indicating a condition affecting health. The word is usable and correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sickness" functions primarily as a noun denoting the state of being ill. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically correct and versatile across various contexts. While interchangeable with terms like "illness" and "disease", "sickness" often carries a slightly less formal connotation. It is very commonly used in news and media, business, and scientific discussions, providing a general way to address matters related to health and disease. For precision, especially in academic or medical settings, more specific terms are often preferred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

illness

A general term for a condition of being unhealthy; interchangeable in many contexts.

disease

A more formal and specific term for a medical condition with defined symptoms and causes.

ailment

A minor or temporary sickness; implies a less severe condition.

malady

A formal or literary term for a disease or ailment.

infirmity

A weakness or disability, often associated with old age or chronic conditions.

unwellness

A general feeling of not being well; often used to describe a mild or vague condition.

health problem

A broad term encompassing any issue affecting a person's health.

medical condition

A specific state of health that requires medical attention or management.

affliction

A state of pain, distress, or suffering caused by a disease or other condition.

poor health

A general state of not being in good physical or mental condition.

FAQs

How can I use "sickness" in a sentence?

You can use "sickness" to refer to a state of being ill or diseased. For example, "The doctor attributed her fatigue to a prolonged period of sickness". Consider using more specific terms like "illness" or "disease" for clarity when possible.

What is the difference between "sickness" and "illness"?

"Sickness" and "illness" are often used interchangeably, but "illness" is generally considered a more formal term. "Sickness" can sometimes imply a more temporary or mild condition, while "illness" can refer to a broader range of health problems.

What are some alternatives to the word "sickness"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "illness", "disease", "ailment", or "malady". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "sickness" to describe mental health conditions?

While "sickness" can be used in the context of mental health, it is often more appropriate to use terms like "mental illness" or "mental health condition". These terms are more specific and less likely to carry negative connotations.