chronic disease
noun
plural chronic diseases
: a disease (such as asthma, coronary heart disease, or diabetes) that continues or occurs again and again for a long time : a medical condition of prolonged duration
… childhood obesity that too often leads to chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure.—
Akiba Solomon
Akiba SolomonMost oncologists are reluctant to use the word "cure," and tend to speak of cancer as a chronic disease. The goal of treatment is remission, a state in which the cancer can't be detected.—Sallie Tisdale
Sallie TisdaleMore than 2,200 local doctors had voluntarily provided free care to uninsured patients, including surgery, chemotherapy and chronic disease management.—The Dallas Morning News
The Dallas Morning NewsExamples of chronic disease in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Tomato Juice Tomato juice contains carotenoids such as beta carotene and lycopene, which can help decrease oxidative stress and help reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases, heart diseases, and some cancers.
—Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 24 Apr. 2026
The request, which is broadly similar to what was proposed last year, includes deep cuts to the National Institutes of Health, the elimination of a health research agency, and the creation of a new agency devoted to chronic diseases called the Administration for a Healthy America.
—Chelsea Cirruzzo, STAT, 21 Apr. 2026
One of the most common misconceptions is that patients do not realize that obesity is a chronic disease and that GLP-1s, like other obesity management medications, are intended as long-term treatment.
—Julia Landwehr, Health, 17 Apr. 2026
Through his remarks, the secretary aimed to turn the focus away from his controversial role in American health and vaccine policy and to instead highlight his efforts to fight chronic disease and promote healthy eating.
—Dan Vergano, Scientific American, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chronic disease
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Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 24 Apr. 2026
The request, which is broadly similar to what was proposed last year, includes deep cuts to the National Institutes of Health, the elimination of a health research agency, and the creation of a new agency devoted to chronic diseases called the Administration for a Healthy America.
—Chelsea Cirruzzo, STAT, 21 Apr. 2026
One of the most common misconceptions is that patients do not realize that obesity is a chronic disease and that GLP-1s, like other obesity management medications, are intended as long-term treatment.
—Julia Landwehr, Health, 17 Apr. 2026
Through his remarks, the secretary aimed to turn the focus away from his controversial role in American health and vaccine policy and to instead highlight his efforts to fight chronic disease and promote healthy eating.
—Dan Vergano, Scientific American, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chronic disease
Cite this Entry
“Chronic disease.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chronic%20disease. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
chronic disease
noun
: a disease (such as asthma, coronary heart disease, or diabetes) that continues or occurs again and again for a long time : a medical condition of prolonged duration
Millions suffer from debilitating chronic disease caused by smoking. It is a major risk factor in cardiovascular disease, chronic bronchitis and emphysema …—Phil Gunby, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Phil Gunby, The Journal of the American Medical AssociationLove words? Need even more definitions?
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