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Synonyms

ails

American  
[eylz] / eɪlz /

verb

  1. third person singular present indicative of ail.

Etymology

Origin of ails

ail ( def. ) + -s 2 ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This fact explains much of what ails Europe.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 11, 2025

Still, a strong sequel has often proved a cure for what ails Hollywood, and the Thanksgiving weekend was no exception.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 1, 2025

Note to all cellar-dwelling NFL teams: If you’re seeking a cure for what ails you, check your schedule for when you’ll be playing the Rams.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 16, 2024

That said, I’m not quite naive enough to believe that wading into a river with my fly rod has some greater meaning, or that it can cure everything that ails us.

From Seattle Times • May 10, 2024

Velma T. working on the cure-all for whatever ails you.

From "Moon Over Manifest" by Clare Vanderpool

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.