ail
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
verb
-
(tr) to trouble; afflict
-
(intr) to feel unwell
Etymology
Origin of ail
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
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.
Most of the European Union's 27 nations back the Mercosur trade deal, which supporters argue is crucial to boost exports, help the continent's ailing economy and foster diplomatic ties at a time of global uncertainty.
From Barron's
More than 25 years in the making, supporters see the deal as crucial to boost exports, support the continent's ailing economy and foster diplomatic ties at a time of global uncertainty.
From Barron's
He is suited to reviving an ailing team, just as he did with England almost four years ago.
From BBC
The market wants the central bank to cut rates or indicate that it will likely keep reducing them to help stabilize an ailing job market and slowing economic growth.
From Barron's
For all those ailing, lost and hopeless, do not be discouraged.
From Salon
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.
