Ailing: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word when referring to someone who is suffering from a long-term or chronic illness. It often suggests a more serious or lingering condition.

• The ailing elder needed constant care.
• The company is providing financial support for the ailing patient.

Use this word in informal situations to describe someone who is temporarily not feeling well, often due to a mild illness like a cold or flu.

• I'm feeling sick today, so I won't be coming to the office.
• He got sick after eating the spoiled food.

Use this word when referring to someone who is feeling slightly sick or not in their usual health. It's somewhat formal but not as strong as 'ill'.

• She has been feeling unwell lately and decided to see a doctor.
• If you are feeling unwell, it's best to rest and drink plenty of fluids.

Use this word to describe someone who is not feeling well, usually in a more formal or general sense. It can be used for both short-term and long-term conditions.

• She has been ill for a week and had to skip work.
• He visited his ill grandmother at the hospital.

Typically used to describe someone or something suffering from poor health, whether physically or financially.

• The ailing CEO was unable to attend the meeting.
• The ailing economy has caused many businesses to close.

Describes a decrease in quality, quantity, or strength over time, commonly used in reference to health, business, or performance.

• Her health has been declining since the accident.
• The company's profits are declining each quarter.

Used to indicate something or someone losing power, strength, or validity. It is a general term and can be applied to physical, emotional, or structural contexts.

• Her grip on the rope is weakening.
• The weakening support for the policy is concerning.

Often used when someone or something is losing strength or momentum and may fail or break down soon. It can apply to both abstract and concrete subjects.

• His faltering speech hinted at his nervousness.
• The project is faltering due to lack of funds.