Meaning & Definition of word "Ailment"

Ailment

/ˈeɪl.mənt/

noun:

  • 1. An illness, typically a minor one.
    • Example: She went to the doctor to seek treatment for her stomach ailment.
  • 2. A condition or disorder that is troublesome or causes discomfort.
    • Example: His persistent cough is a common ailment during the winter months.
  • 3. A physical or mental disorder.
    • Example: The team conducted research on various ailments affecting the elderly population.
  • 4. A state of unease or discomfort.
    • Example: The economic ailments of the country have been a topic of concern for years.

Etymology

Middle English, from Old French 'aïlment', from 'aïler' to cause pain.

Common Phrases and Expressions

catching an ailment:

Becoming sick or dealing with a health issue.

chronic ailment:

An illness that persists for a long time.

ailment diagnosis:

The identification of a health issue or disorder.

Related Words

disease:

A pathological condition of a bodily part.

illness:

A state of poor health.

discomfort:

A lack of physical comfort.

affliction:

Something that causes pain or distress.

Slang Meanings of ailment

Meaning: The sniffles

Example Sentence: He's stuck at home with the sniffles.

Meaning: A case of the Mondays

Example Sentence: I've got a serious case of the Mondays; everything feels like an ailment.