What is defined as a medical condition that progressively worsens and leads to death?

The term that refers to a medical condition that progressively worsens and ultimately leads to death is terminal illness. This definition emphasizes the irreversible nature of the illness and its life-limiting characteristics. A terminal illness is typically diagnosed when a healthcare provider determines that the patient's prognosis indicates that the disease will lead to death within a specific timeframe, often within six months to a year, depending on the context and disease.

In contrast, chronic illness, while it can also be progressive, does not necessarily lead to death in a specific timeframe; many chronic conditions can be managed over long periods. An acute condition is characterized by a sudden onset and is usually severe but not necessarily progressive or fatal. Long-term disability refers to an individual's incapacity to engage in gainful employment or daily activities due to a medical condition but does not inherently imply a progressive or fatal course. Thus, terminal illness is specifically defined to reflect the progressive worsening and inevitable outcome of death associated with the condition.