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

The right-hander has been dealing with the ailment for more than a month. — Mike Fitzpatrick, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026

But a lingering issue with his left knee is the most serious ailment on his docket. — Andy McCullough, New York Times, 20 July 2026

In another case, a California prison guard with spinal problems also claimed other ailments, including toenail fungus and eczema, as work-disabling conditions. — Tony Saavedra, Oc Register, 16 July 2026

Heatstroke and sun poisoning are common Florida ailments—and quick vacation-ruiners. — Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 14 July 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