general malaise

USAGE SUMMARY

"general malaise" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It typically means a feeling of overall discomfort or uneasiness, often without a specific cause. Example: "The employees at the company seemed to be suffering from a general malaise, as productivity and morale were both low."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is a general malaise.

The Guardian

General malaise sort of overtook the summer".

The New York Times

I know there is a general malaise in basketball today.

The New York Times - Sports

This is not, I should note, a general malaise.

The New York Times

Bubonic plague begins with a fever, general malaise, and a blister at the site of infection.

Harvard University

The Leeds student union is a refreshing exception to the general malaise.

The Guardian

Beyond that age, doling out some meds can definitely improve headache, sore throat and general malaise.

The Washington Post

"A general malaise has now set in among the British public.

The Guardian - Opinion

The bacterial infection that is involved typically results in fever, low blood pressure and general malaise.

The New York Times

QUESTION FROM JOAN S.: There seems to be a general malaise about the Republican presidential candidates.

The New Yorker

He continued: "A general malaise has now set in amongst the British public.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a general condition without specific symptoms, use "general malaise" to convey a sense of overall discomfort or unease. This is especially useful in medical contexts or when discussing societal feelings.

Common error

Avoid using "general malaise" when describing specific symptoms or conditions. This phrase indicates a broad, nonspecific feeling of being unwell, not a diagnosed illness or injury.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "general malaise" functions as a noun phrase that describes a state of feeling unwell or uneasy in a nonspecific way. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a commonly used phrase to express overall discomfort. The examples show its application in both medical and societal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "general malaise" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes a nonspecific feeling of being unwell or uneasy. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is frequently used across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While it is versatile, it is important to avoid using it in place of specific medical diagnoses or symptoms. Alternative phrases such as "feeling unwell" or "sense of unease" can be used to convey similar meanings. Remember to use it when describing a broad, nonspecific feeling of being unwell, not a diagnosed illness or injury. With a neutral register, it is appropriate for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overall feeling of unwellness

Focuses on the physical sensation of not being well, emphasizing the broad scope of the feeling.

sense of discomfort and unease

Highlights the combined emotional and physical aspects of feeling unwell, with a slightly stronger emphasis on unease.

vague feeling of sickness

Emphasizes the lack of a specific identifiable ailment, focusing on the indistinct nature of the feeling.

general feeling of being run-down

Conveys a sense of exhaustion and depleted energy, suggesting a temporary state of reduced vitality.

overall lack of vitality

Underscores the reduction in energy and enthusiasm, indicating a decrease in one's capacity to function effectively.

feeling of listlessness and apathy

Highlights the emotional component of feeling unwell, focusing on a lack of motivation and interest.

state of sub-optimal health

Emphasizes that the health is below an optimal level, denoting a mild health condition.

feeling of being out of sorts

Indicates a general sense of not feeling right, suggesting a temporary and mild disturbance in one's well-being.

waning sense of well-being

Underscores a gradual deterioration in health and happiness, signaling a decline in one's overall state.

diminished state of vigor

Focuses on a reduction in physical strength and energy, suggesting a weakened state.

FAQs

How can I use "general malaise" in a sentence?

"General malaise" is used to describe a general feeling of discomfort, illness, or unease whose exact cause is difficult to identify. For instance: "The patient reported a feeling of "general malaise" but had no fever."

What are some alternative ways to express "general malaise"?

You can use alternatives like "feeling unwell", "sense of unease", or "lack of vitality" to convey similar meanings depending on the context.

Is "general malaise" a formal or informal term?

"General malaise" is considered a neutral term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is common in medical, political, and general discussions.

What is the difference between "general malaise" and fatigue?

"General malaise" refers to a broad feeling of illness or discomfort, while fatigue specifically refers to a state of tiredness or exhaustion. You might experience fatigue as part of "general malaise", but fatigue itself doesn't encompass all the symptoms of malaise.