sickness
Sickness (noun) means the state of being ill; a specific illness. Example: “He was off work due to sickness for two weeks.”
How to use sickness
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishIllness in general, or a feeling of nausea.
Word forms
sicknesses plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He was off work due to _____ for two weeks.
Etymology
From Old English seocnes, built from "sick" plus "-ness".
Synonyms
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Rhymes for sickness
See all rhymes for sickness →Frequently asked questions
What does “sickness” mean?
The word “sickness” means the state of being ill; a specific illness. In plain terms, illness in general, or a feeling of nausea.
How do you pronounce “sickness”?
“Sickness” is pronounced SIHK-nihs (/ˈsɪknɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “sickness” in a sentence?
Here is “sickness” used in a sentence: “He was off work due to sickness for two weeks.”
What part of speech is “sickness”?
“Sickness” is a noun.
Where does the word “sickness” come from?
The word “sickness” comes from Old English. From Old English seocnes, built from "sick" plus "-ness".
Is “sickness” a common word?
“Sickness” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “sickness” have?
“Sickness” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the state of being ill; a specific illness.
What is the difference between sickness and illness?
"Sickness" and "illness" are largely synonymous, both referring to the state of being unwell or a specific disease. "Sickness" is sometimes used more casually, while "illness" can sound slightly more formal or clinical.
What is the difference between sickness and nausea?
"Sickness" can specifically mean a feeling of nausea, as in "morning sickness" or "travel sickness," separate from its broader meaning of being generally unwell or having a specific illness. Context usually makes clear which sense is meant.
What does "sickness" mean in phrases like "morning sickness"?
In phrases such as "morning sickness" or "sea sickness," "sickness" refers specifically to a feeling of nausea rather than a broader illness. These compound terms describe nausea triggered by a specific cause, such as pregnancy or motion.