ailments

IPA/ˈeɪl.mənt/
KK[ˈelmənts]IPA/ˈeɪl.mənt/

ailments — noun

  • ailmentssingular
  • ailmentsesplural

1. an illness or physical problem that is not usually very serious — used especiall

1.nounB2
Definition

an illness or physical problem that is not usually very serious — used especially for conditions that last a while or keep coming back, such as colds, headaches, or digestive problems.

Example

The clinic treats common ailments like ear infections and skin rashes every day.

collocation: common ailments

For minor stomach ailments, the pharmacist recommended ginger tea and rest.

collocation: minor + [body part] ailments

Common collocations
  • common ailments
  • minor ailments
  • chronic ailments
  • age-related ailments
  • physical ailments
  • stomach ailments
  • skin ailments
  • respiratory ailments
  • suffer from an ailment
  • treat an ailment
  • cure an ailment
  • relieve an ailment
Synonyms
  • illness

    A broader, more neutral term; covers both mild and serious conditions. 'Illness' is much more common in daily conversation.

  • disorder

    More clinical; often used for conditions that affect a specific body system (e.g. 'a digestive disorder'). Suggests a medical diagnosis.

  • condition

    Neutral, often used for ongoing or chronic health problems. 'He has a heart condition.' Broader than 'ailment' — also covers permanent states.

Grammar Patterns

suffer from + ailment

treat + ailment

have an/the ailment

Usage Note

Often used in formal or medical contexts. The singular "ailment" is common when referring to one person's specific condition; the plural "ailments" is used when listing or generalising about health problems. Less serious than "disease" in most contexts.

Common Mistakes

She caught a serious ailment and was hospitalised.
She caught a serious illness and was hospitalised.
'Ailment' usually suggests a mild or persistent condition; for severe, acute cases 'illness' or 'disease' is more natural.
I have an ailment in my tooth.
I have a toothache / a problem with my tooth.
'Ailment' is not used for specific, localised pain in everyday speech.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

"Ailment" is the mildest of the four, typically referring to minor or recurring health problems like colds, headaches, or indigestion — things people treat at home or with a pharmacy visit. "Illness" is the broadest term, covering anything from a mild cold to a life-threatening condition, and is the most common in everyday English. "Disease" is more clinical and specific, often referring to a named pathological condition with known causes and symptoms (e.g. heart disease, diabetes). "Disorder" is a clinical label for a functional disturbance in a body system (e.g. sleep disorder, immune disorder) and is rarely used in casual conversation. Example: "The pharmacist can advise on minor ailments such as coughs and aches. If the illness persists, see a doctor who can check for an underlying disease."

ailment ↗illness ↗disease ↗disorder ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • a range of ailments
  • a variety of ailments
  • minor ailments

Prepositions

  • suffer from
  • recover from
  • be treated for

Etymology

Old EnglishEnglish

"Ailment" is formed from the verb "ail" (to trouble or cause pain) plus the suffix "-ment" (which turns a verb into a noun meaning the result or product of an action). "Ail" comes from Old English "eglan" (to trouble, afflict), related to Old High German "gal" (painful). The noun "ailment" first appeared in English in the early 1700s.

First known use

1606

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1