Ailing
/ˈeɪlɪŋ/
adjectiveBeginnerCommonMedical
Meaning
Question
Definitions
1
In poor health; suffering from an illness.
/ˈeɪlɪŋ/
adjectivenegativeBeginner
Medical
In poor health; unwell.
The ailing dog needed a veterinarian.
💡 Simply: Sick or unwell.
More Examples
2
Our ailing business needed a boost in sales.
How It's Used
Medical
"The ailing patient required immediate attention."
General
"The ailing economy showed signs of recovery."
From Middle English *ailen, from Old English *ēlan "to suffer pain, be ill".
The word 'ailing' has been used to describe poor health for centuries, with its usage consistently linked to sickness and weakness.
Memory tip
Think of 'ailing' as feeling 'ailing' – not well.
Practice
Base: ail
aillingailingg
Usage
20%Spoken
80%Written