sickness

Pronunciation: /ˈsɪknɪs/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun impairment of normal physiological function affecting part or all of an organism
  2. noun defectiveness or unsoundness
  3. noun the state that precedes vomiting

Etymology

From Middle English sikness, from Old English sēocnes. By surface analysis, sick + -ness.

In classic literature

Synonyms

illness, unwellness, malady

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
ill health
Narrower (hyponyms)
amyloidosis, food poisoning, decompression sickness, collapse, ague, indisposition
Opposite (antonyms)
health

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