ail
verb (used with object)
to cause pain, uneasiness, or trouble to.
had been ailing
-
past perfect progressiveof ail.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
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.
Cannon did not disclose what had been ailing the “Collateral” star, but shared that “he’s doing so much better” and alluded to a joint project they plan to announce soon.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 24, 2023
Veterinarians at the Taiwan facility said Tuan Tuan had been ailing since August and suffered a series of seizures over the weekend.
From Washington Times ● Nov. 20, 2022
Their power play had been ailing, they were taking too many penalties, and defensive breakdowns had been noticeable.
From Washington Post ● Jan. 26, 2020
“He had been ailing for a while,” he added, without going into further detail.
From Reuters ● May 22, 2019
Her little son, it appeared, had been ailing, and the air of the Pyrenees was to make him well.
From Jonah and Co. by Dornford Yates
