afflicted with

USAGE SUMMARY

"afflicted with" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone or something that is affected by a physical or mental illness, disability, or difficulty. Example: His family was afflicted with a rare genetic disorder.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is afflicted with loneliness.

The New Yorker

afflicted with Brownheart.

Postharvest Biology and Technology

Mrs. Romney has been afflicted with both.

The New York Times

His life was afflicted with tragedies.

The New Yorker

The writer was afflicted with asthma.

The New Yorker

It resembled a Brontosaurus afflicted with gigantism.

The New Yorker

Biden was afflicted with regret.

The New York Times - Magazine

She knew neighbors afflicted with respiratory disease.

The Washington Post

The gray-haired man afflicted with polio.

The New York Times - Sports

"She's unique; she's afflicted with crippling depression.

The New York Times

I am afflicted with ancestors and relatives.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "afflicted with" to describe conditions that cause suffering or hardship. It is often used for diseases, disabilities, or negative circumstances. Example: "The town was afflicted with a severe drought."

Common error

Avoid using "afflicted with" for trivial problems. The phrase carries a connotation of serious suffering or hardship, and using it for minor inconveniences can sound hyperbolic or inappropriate. For example, instead of saying "He was afflicted with a slight headache", say "He had a slight headache."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "afflicted with" functions as a postpositive adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the state of being affected negatively by something, usually a disease, hardship, or problem. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct and widely seen in professional writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

32%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "afflicted with" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe someone or something suffering from a disease, problem, or hardship. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is suitable for formal and neutral registers, especially in news, scientific, and academic writing. It's important to reserve this phrase for situations involving genuine suffering or difficulty, avoiding its overuse in trivial contexts. Alternative phrases like "suffering from" or "burdened by" can be used to express similar meanings with slightly different nuances, but "afflicted with" is the correct choice to convey a serious and often undesirable state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suffering from

This alternative uses a more general term, focusing on the experience of suffering rather than the cause.

burdened by

This alternative suggests that something is causing a heavy load or trouble for the subject.

troubled by

This alternative highlights the disruptive or worrisome nature of the affliction.

plagued by

This alternative suggests a persistent and troublesome affliction.

beset by

This alternative implies that the subject is aggressively surrounded by the affliction.

hampered by

This alternative focuses on the limiting or hindering effect of the affliction.

compromised by

This alternative indicates that the affliction has weakened or damaged the subject's condition.

struggling with

This alternative conveys the ongoing effort to cope with the affliction.

battling

This alternative emphasizes active resistance and fight against the affliction.

contending with

This alternative suggests a direct and potentially prolonged conflict with the affliction.

FAQs

How can I use "afflicted with" in a sentence?

Use "afflicted with" to describe someone or something suffering from a disease, problem, or hardship. For instance, "The region was afflicted with poverty" or "She was afflicted with a rare disease".

What's a good alternative to "afflicted with"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "suffering from", "burdened by", or "plagued by". Choose the one that best fits the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "afflicted with" for emotional issues?

Yes, it can be used for emotional or mental health issues, but be mindful of the severity. Saying someone is "afflicted with anxiety" is acceptable, but using it for minor worries might be an overstatement.

What is the difference between "affected by" and "afflicted with"?

"Affected by" is a more general term indicating influence, while "afflicted with" implies a state of suffering or hardship. You might be "affected by" the weather, but you're "afflicted with" a serious illness.