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1
: a bodily disorder or chronic disease
a stomach ailment
2
: unrest, uneasiness
an emotional ailment
Synonyms
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
First Known Use
1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1
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.
Medical Definition
ailment
noun
ail·ment
ˈā(ə)l-mənt
: a bodily disorder or chronic disease
More from Merriam-Webster on ailment
Nglish: Translation of ailment for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of ailment for Arabic Speakers
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