noun

ailment

AYL-muhnt

Ailment (noun) means an illness, especially a minor or ongoing one. Example: “The clinic treats everything from colds to chronic ailments.”

noun

An illness, especially a minor or ongoing one.

"The clinic treats everything from colds to chronic ailments."

"His main ailment was a persistent back problem."

How to use ailment

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA health problem or illness, often used for something ongoing rather than a sudden, serious disease.

Common pairings

common ailment minor ailment chronic ailment

Word forms

ailments plural

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The clinic treats everything from colds to chronic _____.

Etymology

From the verb "ail" (to trouble or afflict) plus the noun-forming suffix "-ment."

Synonyms

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ill complaint

Related words

OK green charge disease sick healthy ill illness

Rhymes for ailment

fulfilment

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Frequently asked questions

What does “ailment” mean?

The word “ailment” means an illness, especially a minor or ongoing one. In plain terms, a health problem or illness, often used for something ongoing rather than a sudden, serious disease.

How do you pronounce “ailment”?

“Ailment” is pronounced AYL-muhnt (/ˈeɪ̯lmənt/ in IPA).

How do you use “ailment” in a sentence?

Here is “ailment” used in a sentence: “The clinic treats everything from colds to chronic ailments.”

What part of speech is “ailment”?

“Ailment” is a noun.

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OK green charge disease sick healthy ill illness