1
as in fragile
chronically or repeatedly suffering from poor health
when his ailing wife had to go to a nursing home, he visited her every day
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sick
temporarily suffering from a disorder of the body
he was ailing from some sort of infection in his eye that made it look all red and puffy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in bothering
to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy
parents who were at a loss to explain what was ailing their normally vivacious daughter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ailing
Matthew Futterman,
New York Times,
31 May 2026
Streeting’s Cabinet position became a personal mission to fix an ailing National Health Service because of his own battle with kidney cancer.
—
ABC News,
17 May 2026
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
22 June 2026
The record goal came in the 38th minute and two days before Messi’s 39th birthday, amid the concern of an ailing father back at home.
—
Stephen Hawkins,
Chicago Tribune,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ailing
Adjective
Alcaraz never made it to the start, as he is sidelined with an ailing wrist, while Sinner lost in the second round and Djokovic lost a day later in the third round.
—
Matthew Futterman,
New York Times,
31 May 2026
Streeting’s Cabinet position became a personal mission to fix an ailing National Health Service because of his own battle with kidney cancer.
—
ABC News,
17 May 2026
Verb
The slow-burn thriller is partially based on a 17th century ballad in which the heroic outlaw’s cousin, a malevolent prioress, bleeds the older, ailing Robin to death under the guise of the ancient medical treatment known as bloodletting.
—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
22 June 2026
The record goal came in the 38th minute and two days before Messi’s 39th birthday, amid the concern of an ailing father back at home.
—
Stephen Hawkins,
Chicago Tribune,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ailing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ailing
Adjective
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The system has long been mired in controversy, including exam paper leaks and technical failures, placing a crushing burden on students, and financial strain on families investing everything in their children for a promise that can often appear fragile.
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However, price bulls highlight a fragile US-Iran ceasefire and past IEA surplus forecasts that failed to depress prices.
Adjective
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Having a sick pet is emotionally a lot to handle.
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Preventing infestation Just because one calf is sick doesn’t mean the entire herd will get it, Cammack said.
Verb
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That shift may help explain why some couples notice their partner’s scent bothering them more during periods of conflict.
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The chest pain that had been bothering her finally let up.
Adjective
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What’s the vibe for you, post-dying?
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Garden centers aren't giving a refund for a dying or dead plant but rather a discount on a new purchase.
Adjective
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This fragmented model creates friction and quietly drains profitability through unbilled hours, margin erosion from poorly staffed projects and elevated turnover when top talent hits operational roadblocks.
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For however poorly things are going — and the bad tone set by the starters has leaked into some defensive lapses and some pressing at the plate — the Padres got themselves into a really favorable position before this.
Verb
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But even these preliminary findings are concerning, experts said.
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The state averages about eight unprovoked bites each year, according to the FWC, which runs a statewide program to address complaints concerning specific alligators believed to pose a threat to people, pets or property.
Adjective
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The law had said medically frail people include those who have substance use disorders, disabilities or serious medical conditions.
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Roosevelt credits that experience with transforming him from a frail, nearsighted youth into a rugged individual who years later would become the 26th president and a pioneering conservationist.
Adjective
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That if you were deemed, as an enslaved person, if you were deemed troublesome or in some way unwanted, you would literally be sold down the river from the more northern states to the deeper south where you would potentially be treated even worse.
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Offer Real Value, Not Leftovers Most product bundles fail not because the idea is bad but because the execution misses what consumers actually want.
Cite this Entry
“Ailing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ailing. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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