Ailment

/ˈeɪl.mənt/

Meaning & Definition

noun
An illness, typically a minor one.
She went to the doctor to seek treatment for her stomach ailment.
A condition or disorder that is troublesome or causes discomfort.
His persistent cough is a common ailment during the winter months.
A physical or mental disorder.
The team conducted research on various ailments affecting the elderly population.
A state of unease or discomfort.
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

Slang Meanings

The sniffles
He's stuck at home with the sniffles.
A case of the Mondays
I've got a serious case of the Mondays; everything feels like an ailment.