What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
disease
Example
Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite transmitted by mosquitoes. [disease: noun]
Example
The doctor diagnosed him with a rare genetic disease that affects his immune system. [disease: noun]
illness
Example
She took a day off from work due to an illness. [illness: noun]
Example
He suffers from a chronic illness that affects his mobility. [illness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Illness is more commonly used than disease in everyday language. Illness is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts, while disease is often associated with a more clinical or technical tone.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between disease and illness?
Disease is often associated with a more formal or technical tone, while illness can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
