morbidity
UK: mɔːˈbɪdɪti | US: mɔːrˈbɪdɪti
n. the condition of being diseased or unhealthy
n. the rate of disease in a population
n. an unhealthy mental state or attitude
The word "morbidity" stems from the Latin morbidus, meaning "sickly" or "diseased," derived from morbus (disease). The suffix -ity (from Latin -itas) converts the adjective "morbid" into a noun, denoting a state or condition. Over time, "morbidity" evolved to encompass both physical disease prevalence and metaphorical unhealthy states of mind.
The study focused on the morbidity rate of heart disease in urban areas.
Prolonged stress can lead to increased morbidity in patients with chronic illnesses.
His writing reflects a deep morbidity, dwelling on themes of death and decay.
Public health policies aim to reduce morbidity by improving sanitation.
The doctor noted the patient’s morbidity but remained optimistic about recovery.