disease

/dɪˈziːz/noun

A condition that makes a person, animal, or plant unwell or stops it working properly, unlike an injury, which usually happens in an instant.

Example sentence

“Regular hand-washing helps stop the spread of disease.”

'Heart disease', 'infectious disease'. Figuratively it labels social ills, a use that can sound moralizing, so handle it with care.

Related words

chronicLasting for a long time or coming back again and again, used of problems or illnesses.germA tiny living thing, such as a bacterium or virus, that can cause illness.acuteVery strong, keen, or sharp in effect or perception.bacteriaA particular kind, species, or strain of these tiny single-celled organisms.terminalThe building at an airport where travelers move between ground transport and their flights.virusAn illness caused by an infectious viral agent.