A2noun 2K

Illness

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈɪlnəs/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈɪlnəs/"]/

Meaning of Illness

the state of being physically or mentally ill

In simple words: Being sick or not healthy.

Illness in a sentence

• The doctor said my illness will take a few weeks to heal.
• Many people suffered from a serious illness during the outbreak.
• She missed work because of her sudden illness last week.
• Mental illness can affect anyone, regardless of age.
• They are researching ways to cure chronic illness.

How to use Illness

Commonly used in both spoken and written English. Appropriate in medical contexts and everyday conversations. Avoid using in slang or very casual settings.

Grammar pattern

illness + (noun)

Memory hint

Think of 'ill' as someone who is unwell—they have an 'illness'.

Related words

Collocations with Illness

• deadly
• fatal
• incurable
• bout
• episode
• experience
• have
• suffer
• affect somebody
• afflict
• plague somebody
• after illness
• because of illness
• due to illness
• the onset of an illness
• deadly
• fatal
• incurable
• bout
• episode
• experience
• have
• suffer
• affect somebody
• afflict
• plague somebody
• after illness
• because of illness
• due to illness
• the onset of an illness

Synonyms for Illness

• sickness
• disease
• ailment
• disorder
• condition

Opposites of Illness

• health
• wellness

Common mistakes with Illness

• Confused with 'disease' — 'illness' often refers to a temporary state, while 'disease' is more permanent.
• Using 'illness' when 'condition' is more appropriate for chronic health issues.
• Mispronouncing as 'illnes' instead of 'ill-ness'.

Frequently asked questions about Illness

What does Illness mean?

Being sick or not healthy.

What is the definition of Illness?

the state of being physically or mentally ill

How do you use Illness in a sentence?

The doctor said my illness will take a few weeks to heal.

Can you give another example of Illness?

Many people suffered from a serious illness during the outbreak.

What are synonyms for Illness?

Common alternatives include sickness, disease, ailment, disorder, condition.

What is the opposite of Illness?

Opposite meanings include health, wellness.

What words go with Illness?

It commonly pairs with deadly, fatal, incurable, bout, episode, experience, have, suffer, affect somebody, afflict, plague somebody, after illness, because of illness, due to illness, the onset of an illness, deadly, fatal, incurable, bout, episode, experience, have, suffer, affect somebody, afflict, plague somebody, after illness, because of illness, due to illness, the onset of an illness.

What are common mistakes when using Illness?

Confused with 'disease' — 'illness' often refers to a temporary state, while 'disease' is more permanent. Using 'illness' when 'condition' is more appropriate for chronic health issues. Mispronouncing as 'illnes' instead of 'ill-ness'.

How do you pronounce Illness?

US: /["/ˈɪlnəs/"]/, UK: /["/ˈɪlnəs/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Illness?

Commonly used in both spoken and written English. Appropriate in medical contexts and everyday conversations. Avoid using in slang or very casual settings.

What CEFR level is Illness?

"Illness" is at A2 level on the CEFR scale.