The word "ailing" refers to someone who is sick or unwell. Its spelling can be confusing, as there are multiple ways to pronounce the letter "a" in English. In this case, "ailing" is pronounced /ˈeɪ.lɪŋ/, with a long "ā" sound represented by the letter "a" and an "l" sound represented by the letter "l". This spelling makes it clear that the word is related to "ailment" and "ail", which are also used to describe a physical or mental condition of discomfort or pain.
Ailing is an adjective that refers to someone or something being in poor health or showing signs of illness or decline. It is often used to describe a person or an organism suffering from a physical or mental ailment. This term can also be applied to objects or systems that are in a state of disrepair, malfunction, or decay.
When describing a person, ailing implies a condition of weakness, discomfort, or affliction. It suggests a less severe state than being seriously ill, but still conveys a sense of being unwell or troubled by a specific ailment. The term can also encompass emotional or psychological distress, reflecting a sense of unease or sorrow.
Similarly, the adjective can be used to characterize plants or animals experiencing illness or disease. In this context, it indicates a state of reduced vigor, diminished vitality, or impaired functioning of bodily processes.
Furthermore, ailing can describe inanimate objects, systems, or organizations that are experiencing a decline in effectiveness or productivity. It suggests a state of trouble or deterioration, often due to wear and tear, neglect, or outdatedness.
Overall, ailing denotes a state of being unwell, either physically, mentally, or functionally, emphasizing the presence of a specific ailment, dysfunction, or decline.
Unwell; full of sickness.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "ailing" has an etymology that can be traced back to the Old English word "egan" or "eilian", meaning "to afflict with pain or suffering". It shares a common root with the Middle English word "aile", which means "pain" or "suffering". Over time, the word evolved to become "ailing", which refers to someone who is not in good health or is experiencing illness.