constipation

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'constipation' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a medical condition in which a person has difficulty passing stool. For example: "He was suffering from constipation, so the doctor prescribed him medication to help relieve his symptoms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"At times, he gets constipation and some swelling in the legs and arms.

The Guardian

Fibre, for example, eases the systemic sluggishness that comes with constipation.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Part of the improvement in Indonesia's public finances, therefore, reflects fiscal constipation more than it does budget conservatism.Chronic underspending is partly because of heightened scrutiny of graft in the wake of some high-profile corruption busts, as well as bureaucratic bottlenecks, such as the difficulty of buying land.

The Economist

Research in Hawaii suggests that constipation, especially when it defies laxatives, could be an early symptom of Parkinson's disease.

The Economist

The pathology of constipation and the pathology of Parkinson's disease are similar, he says.

The Economist

The best example is the recent boom in bacteria-enriched yogurts, such as Danone's blockbuster brand Activia, which are supposed to fight "bloating" (code for constipation).Functional foods are nothing new, observes Bernard Hours of Danone.

The Economist

Ironically, the net-neutrality principle that is causing Republicans such constipation was introduced by a Republican chairman of the FCC, Kevin Martin, back in 2005, using ideas promulgated by his Republican predecessor, Michael Powell.

The Economist

The freedom to visit the bathroom whenever I need to, in order to avoid the constipation that has now become chronic during term time.2.2

The Economist

Over the subsequent 24 years, 96 of them went on to develop Parkinson's disease.That patients with Parkinson's often suffer constipation is well known James Parkinson himself noted it when he characterised the syndrome in 1817.

The Economist

Results released on September 23rd by Danone, a French diary and yogurt company, showed that its bestselling yogurts are those with live bacteria that are said to strengthen immunity or ease constipation.

The Economist

Why turn away the gift of Bishop Berkeley, who famously denied the existence of matter and became obsessed with advocating cures for constipation?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "constipation", be specific about the context, such as duration, severity, and potential causes to provide clarity.

Common error

While it's polite to avoid overly graphic language, using vague euphemisms for "constipation" can obscure the meaning. Use direct and clear language appropriate for your audience.

Linguistic Context

The noun "constipation" functions as a medical term describing a condition characterized by infrequent bowel movements and difficulty passing stool. It is widely recognized, as Ludwig AI suggests.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

40%

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "constipation" is a common and grammatically correct noun used to describe infrequent or difficult bowel movements. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is usable in written English to clearly communicate about this specific health condition. The term appears frequently in encyclopedias, news media, and scientific literature. While the term itself is fairly neutral, more formal or informal synonyms may be appropriate depending on the audience. Dietary fiber, hydration, and exercise are typically recommended as preventative measures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

infrequent bowel movements

Describes the condition by focusing on the frequency of bowel movements.

difficulty passing stool

Focuses on the physical difficulty experienced during bowel movements.

bowel obstruction

Indicates a more severe form of constipation where the bowel is blocked.

fecal impaction

Describes a condition where hardened stool is stuck in the rectum or colon.

intestinal blockage

Refers to a broader obstruction within the intestines.

costiveness

A less common, more formal synonym for constipation.

sluggish bowels

Describes the condition in terms of reduced bowel activity.

decreased bowel motility

A medical term for reduced movement of the intestines.

hardened stools

Highlights the characteristic consistency of feces in constipation.

irregular bowel habits

Focuses on the irregularity of bowel movements as a symptom.

FAQs

How is "constipation" typically treated?

Treatment for "constipation" often involves increasing dietary fiber, drinking more water, exercising regularly, and, in some cases, using "laxatives".

What are some common causes of "constipation"?

"Constipation" can be caused by a variety of factors, including a low-fiber diet, dehydration, lack of physical activity, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions.

Is "constipation" a symptom of a more serious condition?

While often benign, "constipation" can sometimes be a symptom of a more serious condition such as irritable bowel syndrome, hypothyroidism, or even, in rare cases, Parkinson's disease.

What can I say instead of "constipation"?

You can use alternatives like "infrequent bowel movements", "difficulty passing stool", or "costiveness" depending on the context.