adjective

ailing

AY-lihng

Ailing (adjective) means Sick or unwell, often over a long period. Example: “She stayed home to care for her ailing grandmother.”

adjective

Sick or unwell, often over a long period.

"She stayed home to care for her ailing grandmother."

"The company's ailing finances forced it to close two stores."

How to use ailing

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishUnwell or in poor condition — used for people's health or, figuratively, for struggling businesses and economies.

Common pairings

ailing health ailing economy ailing industry

Word forms

more ailing comparative, ailings plural, most ailing superlative

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She stayed home to care for her _____ grandmother.

Rhymes for ailing

filing piling boiling ceiling railing sailing smiling failing mailing wailing toiling tailing

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Frequently asked questions

What does “ailing” mean?

The word “ailing” means sick or unwell, often over a long period. In plain terms, unwell or in poor condition — used for people's health or, figuratively, for struggling businesses and economies.

How do you pronounce “ailing”?

“Ailing” is pronounced AY-lihng (/ˈeɪ.lɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “ailing” in a sentence?

Here is “ailing” used in a sentence: “She stayed home to care for her ailing grandmother.”

What part of speech is “ailing”?

“Ailing” is an adjective.