ailment

/'eilmənt/

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Explanation of the Word "Ailment"

Definition: The word "ailment" is a noun that refers to a physical problem or illness that is usually not very serious but can cause discomfort or pain. It can also mean something that makes you feel unwell or prompts you to complain.

Usage Instructions

• Basic Use: You can use "ailment" to talk about minor health issues, like a cold or headache. It is often used in conversation when discussing health problems, especially when they are not very severe.

Example Sentences

1. "After catching a cold, she had a minor ailment that kept her home from work."
2. "Many people experience common ailments like allergies during the spring."

Advanced Usage

In more advanced contexts, "ailment" can be used in medical discussions or literature to describe conditions that might require treatment or management, even if they are not life-threatening.

Word Variants

• Ail (verb): This means to suffer from a health problem or to feel sick.
  • Example: "I ail from a headache today."
• Ailing (adjective): This describes someone who is suffering from an ailment or is in poor health.
  • Example: "The ailing patient needs immediate care."

Different Meanings

While "ailment" primarily refers to physical problems, it can metaphorically describe issues in other areas, such as emotional or social problems: - Example: "The ailing economy needs support from the government."

Synonyms

Some synonyms for "ailment" include: - Illness - Disorder - Condition - Affliction - Malady

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

While "ailment" does not have specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to it, you can use phrases that imply discomfort or health issues: - Under the weather: This means feeling ill. - Example: "I’m feeling a bit under the weather today, so I’ll rest." - Out of sorts: This means not feeling well or being in a bad mood.

Academic

Noun

1. an often persistent bodily disorder or disease; a cause for complaining

Synonyms

• complaint
• ill