ailing

American  

[ey-ling] / ˈeɪ lɪŋ /

adjective

1. sickly; unwell.

2. unsound or troubled.

   a financially ailing corporation.

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ailing British  

/ ˈeɪlɪŋ /

adjective

1. unwell or unsuccessful

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Etymology

Origin of ailing

First recorded in 1590–1600; ail + -ing ²

Explanation

Someone who's ailing is sick. You might visit your ailing grandmother in the hospital. You can use the adjective ailing to describe someone who's very ill, or use it figuratively, to talk about "our ailing economy," or "the ailing school system." The next time you call in sick to work, you might say, "I can't come in today — I'm afraid I'm ailing." Ailing comes from the verb ail, "trouble or afflict," from the Old English eglan, "to trouble, plague, or pain."

Example Sentences

Volkswagen's future is at risk without further cost-cuts, the ailing German auto giant warned Thursday after profits plunged more than feared as headwinds mount.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

Reiche, together with cabinet colleagues, including the defense minister, has been pushing to transform ailing manufacturing companies into defense contractors.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

It showed the 79-year-old clad in a white robe and papal-red cape, a divine light emanating from the palm of one hand while the other hand was placed on an ailing man.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves sidelined the rest of the regular season, the ailing Lakers will be without their starting backcourt possibly into the playoffs.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

“Well, there was extra and I figured I was doing Velma T. a favor to get her elixir out among the ailing public.”

From "Moon Over Manifest" by Clare Vanderpool

Related Words

• diseased
• feeble
• ill
• sickly
• weak