ailment

Everyday

An ailment is an illness, usually a minor one, like a cold, cough or rash. tree →

In the lessons

Used in health and history lessons (old remedies for common ailments), in pharmacies, and in stories. It is softer and more formal than «illness» or «disease».

Examples

• Colds and coughs are common winter ailments. tree →
• Grandma had a herbal remedy for every ailment. tree →
• The pharmacist can help with minor ailments. tree →
• The puppy's ailment turned out to be a sore paw. tree →
• In the old days, people used honey to treat many ailments. tree →
• Tummy aches are a common ailment among children. tree →
• Rudy knew nothing of fever, or any other ailment. tree →

Note

Countable. Verb «ail» (old: to make ill): «What ails you?». An ailment is usually not serious; a «disease» can be serious.