ailment

noun

ail·​ment ˈāl-mənt 

1

: a bodily disorder or chronic disease

a stomach ailment

2

: unrest, uneasiness

an emotional ailment

Synonyms of ailment

• disease
• illness
• ill
• condition
• fever
• sickness

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

In these regions, the predominant ailments are HIV/AIDS, premature birth and birth trauma, congenital anomalies and injuries. — Emilee Flynn, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2026

Some may find the value to be limited, especially if their dog or cat breed is younger or less predisposed to suffer from medical issues or ailments. — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026

Their lines formed chemistry, Logan Thompson was holding them in games and the minor ailments that kept key players out early have healed. — Danielle Allentuck, Washington Post, 2 Nov. 2026

Inflammation, which plays a significant role in a number of gynecological ailments, is something that Metz has focused on for her entire career. — Fiorella Valdesolo, Allure, 30 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

ail entry 1 + -ment

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for ailment

• bailment
• curtailment
• derailment
• entailment

Kids Definition

ailment

noun

ail·​ment ˈāl-mənt 

: a bodily disorder : sickness

Medical Definition

ailment

noun

ail·​ment ˈā(ə)l-mənt 

: a bodily disorder or chronic disease