ailment - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
ailment Word Meanings
- a physical disorder or illness
- a condition of pain or discomfort
- a problem affecting health
ailment Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
ailment Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈeɪlmənt/
US
/ˈeɪlmənt/
ailment Word Etymology
Ailment: ailing (present participle of 'ail') + -ment (suffix indicating action or state). Origin: from Old French 'aillier' → Latin 'algere' (to feel pain) → English. Memory image: Imagine someone with a pained look, holding their stomach, signifying discomfort.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
An ailment is a physical disorder or illness, but English speakers usually reserve the term for mild or unspecified conditions. It sits between illness and minor health discomfort, with a neutral, somewhat clinical tone. Learners often mistake ailment for disease, or they may overgeneralize it to any medical problem. When you say 'a common ailment' or 'a minor ailment,' you imply something not seriously diagnosed. In everyday speech you might hear 'an ailment' about back pain, a stomach upset, or a lingering cold. Remember that 'ailment' is countable: one ailment, two ailments, and it pairs naturally with adjectives like 'minor,' 'chronic' (though chronic is less common with ailment).
Usage Reminders
- • Use with mild or minor when describing non-serious issues
- • Distinguish ailment from illness and disease
- • Treat as countable: one ailment, two ailments
- • Pair with common, minor, or chronic carefully
- • Prefer neutral or formal tone in medical writing
Common Misconceptions
- Ailment = disease
- Ailment always means a serious illness
- Ailment cannot be plural
- Ailment is only medical vocabulary
- You should never use it with everyday problems
Thinking Differences
Ailment sits between a medical diagnosis and everyday discomfort in English; it’s common but slightly formal. Learners may think it covers big illnesses or substitute for illness/disease in all cases. The nuance is essential for natural collocations like common ailment.
Learning Tips
- Learn how ailment differs from illness and disease
- Use with adjectives like minor, mild, or chronic
- Remember it is countable: one ailment, two ailments
- Prefer neutral or formal tone in medical contexts
- Practice collocations like common ailment and minor ailment
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'ailment' correctly?
A.After her cat's ailment, he felt better.
B.His favorite ailment is chocolate cake.
C.The doctor prescribed medicine for his ailment.
D.She fixed her computer ailment with a hammer.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'ailment'?
A.Pleasure
B.Success
C.Affliction
D.Joy
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'ailment'?
A.Sickness
B.Pain
C.Health
D.Injury
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life scenario of 'ailment'?
A.The cat got scared during the thunderstorm.
B.He sprained his ankle while playing soccer.
C.She had to visit the doctor for her health issue.
D.The family enjoyed a picnic in the park.
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