is ailing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is ailing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is suffering from illness or is in poor condition. Example: "The patient is ailing and requires immediate medical attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

BAE is ailing.

The Economist

The infant Hercules is ailing.

The Economist

Still, Chinatown's economy is ailing.

The New York Times

The pension system is ailing.

The Guardian - Business

Its economy is ailing.

The Guardian - Opinion

The current one is ailing and needy.

The Economist

But they agree that trade is ailing.

The Economist

In fact, the market is ailing.

The Economist

Humanity, he says, is ailing.

The New York Times - Books

Robinson is ailing and declining.

The New York Times - Sports

So what is ailing the American economy?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is ailing" when you want to describe a gradual decline in health, condition, or performance, applicable to people, systems, or organizations.

Common error

While "is ailing" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overusing it in highly formal writing where more precise or technical language might be appropriate. For example, in a medical report, prefer "is experiencing health deterioration" over "is ailing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is ailing" primarily functions as a verbal phrase indicating a state of decline or ill health. Ludwig examples show it describes the condition of diverse entities, from economies to individuals, implying a current state of suffering or weakening. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and appropriate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is ailing" is a versatile verbal phrase used to describe a state of decline or ill health. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media. It conveys a sense of concern and highlights a problem needing attention. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to consider more precise language for highly formal contexts. Related phrases like "is unwell" or "is declining" offer similar meanings. Remember, "is ailing" is most effective when you want to convey a sense of gradual decline applicable to diverse subjects, be it health or the economy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unwell

Replaces "ailing" with a more general term for not being well.

is not well

Similar to "is unwell", but slightly more emphatic.

is in poor health

Focuses specifically on the health aspect of "ailing".

is declining

Emphasizes a gradual deterioration rather than a sudden illness.

is deteriorating

Similar to "is declining", suggesting a worsening condition.

is failing

Suggests a more severe state of decline, closer to complete failure.

is weakening

Highlights the loss of strength or vitality.

is suffering

Focuses on the experience of hardship or pain.

is struggling

Indicates difficulty in maintaining a stable or healthy state.

is under the weather

An idiomatic expression for being slightly ill or out of sorts.

FAQs

How can I use "is ailing" in a sentence?

You can use "is ailing" to describe something or someone experiencing a decline in health or condition. For instance, "The economy "is ailing"," or "My grandmother "is ailing" this winter."

What are some alternatives to "is ailing"?

Some alternatives include "is unwell", "is declining", or "is in poor health", depending on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "is ailing" formal or informal?

"Is ailing" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal or technical writing, more precise alternatives might be preferred.

What's the difference between "is ailing" and "is sick"?

While both describe a state of poor health, "is ailing" often implies a more prolonged or gradual decline, whereas "is sick" suggests a more acute and potentially temporary illness. For example, someone with a chronic condition "is ailing", while someone with the flu "is sick".