ailment

noun

ail·​ment ˈāl-mənt How to pronounce ailment (audio)
1
: a bodily disorder or chronic disease
a stomach ailment
2
: unrest, uneasiness
an emotional ailment

Examples of ailment in a Sentence

She suffered from a chronic back ailment. The doctor treated him for a variety of ailments.
Recent Examples on the Web His injury occurred moments before Martin exited after his left ankle came up gimpy, causing the latest ailment in a frustrating season for Martin. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2024 In some cases, a topical cream, when applied to an area on the skin, can effectively treat these skin ailments, according to a study published in Dermatology Research and Practice. Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 23 Feb. 2024 Videos on the benefits of magnesium supplements have garnered thousands of views and led many people to try them for various ailments. Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 20 Feb. 2024 The three-time All-Star has had a hard time staying healthy this season, also dealing with back and ankle ailments. David Brandt, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2024 Particulate pollution can lodge deep in the lungs of people who regularly breathe it, increasing the risk of asthma, cancer, heart attacks and other ailments. Paul Rogers, The Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2024 Brothers, a retired manager of the science center, said almost all birds that strand on the beach are seriously underweight and suffering from a range of ailments that could include parasites, exhaustion or starvation. USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2024 Some uses include the treatment of depression and other mental health ailments and improving heart rate stability. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2024 Various other studies have similarly found a connection between phthalates and other health ailments, such as childhood obesity, cardiovascular issues and cancer. Nicholas Rice, Peoplemag, 10 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ailment.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

ail entry 1 + -ment

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ailment was in 1606

Dictionary Entries Near ailment

Cite this Entry

“Ailment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ailment. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

ailment

noun
ail·​ment ˈāl-mənt How to pronounce ailment (audio)
: a bodily disorder : sickness

Medical Definition

ailment

noun
ail·​ment ˈā(ə)l-mənt How to pronounce ailment (audio)
: a bodily disorder or chronic disease

More from Merriam-Webster on ailment

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