ail
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /eɪl/
KK: /eɪl/
intransitive verb
Definition
To feel unwell or to experience discomfort.
Example
After eating the spoiled food, I began to ail.
Tense Forms
Past: ailed
Past Participle: ailed
Conversation
Hey, you don't look so good. Are you feeling ail today?
Yeah, I’ve been a bit under the weather lately.
I'm sorry to hear that; what seems to be the problem?
Just a headache and some fatigue — I really hope it goes away soon.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
suffer
ache
hurt
Antonyms
thrive
flourish
heal
transitive verb
Definition
To cause someone to feel pain, discomfort, or worry.
Example
The constant noise from the construction site began to ail her peace of mind.
Tense Forms
Past: ailed
Past Participle: ailed
Conversation
I’ve been feeling really stressed lately; work keeps ailing me.
I can understand that. Sometimes, it just feels overwhelming.
Yeah, I wish I could find a way to manage it better and stop it from ailing my mood.
Root Explanation
**Ail** → The word 'ail' originates from Old English 'āgan', meaning to have or possess, and is related to the Old Norse 'eiga', meaning to own or have. The word 'ail' refers to experiencing trouble or discomfort, often in a physical or emotional sense.
Memory Tip
Think of having or possessing discomfort — that's why 'ail' means to suffer or feel unwell.
Visually Confused Words
wail
vail
tail
sail
rail
pail
nail
mail