ail

[ eyl ]

verb (used with object)

1. to cause pain, uneasiness, or trouble to:

   Inside our own bodies lies the most powerful cure for what ails us—our immune systems.

   He thinks lowering taxes is the answer to all that ails our economy.

   Synonyms: distress, annoy, bother

verb (used without object)

1. to be unwell; feel pain; be ill:

   He's been ailing for some time.

ail

/ eɪl /

verb

1. tr to trouble; afflict
2. intr to feel unwell

Word History and Origins

Origin of ail¹

before 950; Middle English ail, eilen, Old English eglan to afflict (cognate with Middle Low German egelen annoy, Gothic -agljan ), derivative of egle painful; akin to Gothic agls shameful, Sanskrit aghám evil, pain

Word History and Origins

Origin of ail¹

Old English eglan to trouble, from egle troublesome, painful, related to Gothic agls shameful

Example Sentences

But under his watch, Ghanaians also experienced an ailing economy and widespread power cuts.

From BBC

After two drives, Maiava was a meager two for seven with a crushing pick-six — concerning enough to hush a Coliseum crowd that hoped he might be the answer to what ailed USC’s offense.

From Los Angeles Times

But China's economy is already ailing and it will be in no mood for a second protracted trade war.

From BBC

Jones, 84 at the time, was asked by journalist David Marchese about what ails America.

From Salon

In that time, and certainly since Trump came on the scene, he’s drawn some conclusions about what’s ailing TV news.

From Salon

Related Words

• afflict
• bother