sickness

American  

[sik-nis] / ˈsɪk nɪs /

noun

1. a particular disease or malady.

2. the state or an instance of being sick; illness.

3. nausea; queasiness.

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sickness British  

/ ˈsɪknɪs /

noun

1. an illness or disease

2. nausea or queasiness

3. the state or an instance of being sick

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Etymology

Origin of sickness

before 1000; Middle English siknesse, seknesse, Old English sēocnesse. See sick ¹, -ness

Compare meaning

How does sickness compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• sickness vs. illness

Example Sentences

Such policies will inevitably lead to sickness and deaths.

From Salon

A side who once suffered with travel sickness have now defeated Qarabag, Aston Villa and Spurs on the road in little more than a week.

From BBC

The proposals form part of the government's 10-year health plan to shift the focus from sickness to prevention, as well as reduce the pressures on the NHS.

From BBC

And her love sickness rendered physical is such a beautiful and powerful literary symbol.

From Los Angeles Times

Part of this hospital was especially for those with the atom bomb sickness.

From Literature

Related Words

• ailment
• disease
• disorder
• ill health
• illness
• infirmity
• malady
• nausea
• syndrome