What is the term for an illness or injury that is expected to result in death?

The term used to describe an illness or injury that is anticipated to lead to death is "terminal illness." This classification is important in healthcare as it helps to guide treatment decisions and care approaches for patients. Terminal illnesses are often progressive in nature, meaning they have a predictable course of decline and are unlikely to be cured. Understanding this concept assists healthcare providers in offering appropriate support, both medically and emotionally, to patients and their families during such difficult times.

Chronic illnesses are conditions that last for a long period or are lifelong, while acute illnesses are typically severe but may be short-lived. Recurrent illnesses are those that occur repeatedly over time. Each of these terms describes different health conditions, but they do not imply a prognosis of impending death as "terminal illness" does.