What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
illness
Example
She was absent from work due to an illness. [illness: noun]
Example
The doctor diagnosed him with a respiratory illness. [illness: noun]
disorder
Example
He was diagnosed with a sleep disorder. [disorder: noun]
Example
She has a personality disorder that affects her relationships. [disorder: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Illness is a more common term in everyday language, while disorder is often used in medical or clinical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between illness and disorder?
Disorder is generally considered a more formal term than illness, as it is often used in medical or clinical settings.
