terminal illness

American

[tur-muh-nl il-nis] / ˈtɜr mə nl ˈɪl nɪs /

Sometimes life-limiting illness

noun

a disease or condition that cannot be cured and will almost certainly lead to death.

Etymology

Origin of terminal illness

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In January 2026, they approved the principles of draft legislation which would enable qualifying adults with a terminal illness to end their life with the help of a medical professional.

From BBC

In May 2025, MPs in France backed a bill which would give some people in the last stages of a terminal illness the right to assisted dying, but discussions about the scope of the legislation are continuing.

From BBC

As it is a terminal illness, Ms Johnston said they would be treating their patients with palliative care from diagnosis through to end of life, but having a designated nurse can give patients more individualised support.

From BBC

Some 20,000 adults and children affected by terminal illness receive support from hospices each year and Welsh hospices have 95 inpatient beds, although some might not be in use because of funding and staffing.

From BBC

But behind the scenes this 27-year-old bride was dealing with terminal illness, made more stressful by a pensions struggle with her former employer.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023