- present tense form of ail (3rd person singular).
ails
Americanverb
Etymology
Origin of ails
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The cure for what ails us, in Mr. Epley’s prognosis, is making what he calls “the choice.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026
So while Newsom’s demand for a 60-day plan might not sound like much, it goes to the heart of what ails the system.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 21, 2026
Former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani is hospitalized in "critical but stable condition," his spokesman said Sunday, without disclosing what ails the 81-year-old former politician.
From Barron's ● May 3, 2026
Still, a strong sequel has often proved a cure for what ails Hollywood, and the Thanksgiving weekend was no exception.
From MarketWatch ● Dec. 1, 2025
“What ails thee, Ophelia? You are wan and distracted today.”
From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein
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Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
