terrible disease

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "terrible disease" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a disease that has severe negative effects on health or quality of life. Example: "The outbreak of the terrible disease has caused widespread panic among the population."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It's such a terrible disease.

The New York Times - Health

That terrible disease was homosexuality.

Independent

Thalassemia was, and is, a terrible disease.

The New York Times - Science

But it is a terrible disease.

Independent

What could this terrible disease be?

The Guardian

"Dementia is simply a terrible disease," he said.

The Guardian

"Bovine TB is a terrible disease that must be stopped.

The Guardian

"Dengue is a terrible disease, just terrible,'' Reiter said.

The New Yorker

ADRENOLEUKODYSTROPHY (ALD) is a rare and terrible disease.

The Economist

"Dengue is a terrible disease, just terrible," Reiter said.

The New Yorker

Cancer, in many of its forms, is a terrible disease.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about health issues, use “terrible disease” to convey the significant negative impact on individuals and communities. Be specific when possible by naming the disease to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using excessively dramatic language or multiple adjectives before "disease", as this can diminish the impact and appear sensationalized. Instead of saying "horrendous, terrible, devastating disease", focus on conveying the factual impact of the disease itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terrible disease" functions as a noun phrase, where "terrible" modifies "disease". Ludwig AI confirms its use in describing illnesses with significant negative consequences. It serves to emphasize the severity and impact of the disease in question.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "terrible disease" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression to describe severe illnesses across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness for conveying the significant negative impacts of diseases, as evidenced by its frequent appearance in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science sources. While alternatives like "dreadful illness" or "severe ailment" exist, "terrible disease" effectively communicates the gravity and emotional impact of the health condition. Remember to use specific disease names when possible to enhance clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dreadful illness

Replaces "disease" with "illness", a more general term for a medical condition.

awful sickness

Substitutes both "terrible" and "disease" with synonyms suggesting unpleasantness and ill health.

severe ailment

Replaces "terrible" with "severe" and "disease" with the more formal "ailment", indicating a serious health problem.

grave condition

Shifts the focus to the patient's state, implying a serious and potentially life-threatening illness.

critical illness

Emphasizes the life-threatening nature of the disease.

life-threatening disease

Explicitly states the potential for the disease to cause death.

debilitating disease

Highlights the weakening and disabling effects of the disease.

devastating illness

Focuses on the destructive impact of the illness on the patient's life and well-being.

aggressive disease

Describes a disease that progresses rapidly and is difficult to control.

fatal disease

States that the disease will inevitably lead to death.

FAQs

How can I use "terrible disease" in a sentence?

You can use "terrible disease" to describe the severe impact of illnesses. For example: "Cancer is a "terrible disease" that affects millions worldwide."

What are some alternatives to "terrible disease"?

Alternatives include "dreadful illness", "awful sickness", or "severe ailment", depending on the specific context and level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "terrible disease" in formal writing?

While "terrible disease" is widely understood, in formal or scientific writing, consider using more precise and objective terms like "life-threatening disease" or specifying the particular ailment.

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

"Terrible disease" emphasizes the severe and often devastating nature of the condition, while "serious illness" ("serious illness") simply indicates that the health problem is significant and requires attention. The former conveys a stronger emotional impact.