recurring ailment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "recurring ailment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a health issue or condition that repeatedly occurs over time. Example: "After several visits to the doctor, I learned that my recurring ailment was due to an underlying allergy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It's a recurring ailment of this coalition.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ward became the third British player to fall in a matter of hours after Watson had succumbed to Pironkova, and a recurring ailment that saps her energy.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The Boston Symphony and the Met have to be worried about the implications of Mr. Levine's recurring ailments.

The New York Times - Arts

Among other recurring ailments, Watson has a history of hamstring injuries which have forced him to miss serious chunks of his career, including the 2006-7 Aserieserieseries

The Guardian - Sport

Peter Gelb, the company's general manager, has said that Mr. Luisi's appointment and Mr. Levine's recurring ailments are unrelated, although there has naturally been speculation about Mr. Luisi's potential role as successor.

The New York Times

After trying several medications to treat recurring ailments, her granddaughter's doctor asked whether the family lived near a toxic waste dump, Broudy said.

Los Angeles Times

Mr. Perry underwent surgery early this month to correct what his aides describe as a recurring back ailment.

The New York Times

His health, however, was dogged by a recurring kidney ailment, sometimes serious enough to force him to cancel engagements.

The Guardian - Music

His health, however, was dogged by a recurring kidney ailment so serious that he sometimes had to cancel engagements.

The Guardian - Music

James Levine, music director of the Metropolitan Opera, has unexpectedly withdrawn as conductor of the Met's premiere next month of "Doktor Faust," an opera by the 20th-century German composer Ferruccio Busoni, citing doctors' warnings about the danger of aggravating a recurring back ailment.

The New York Times - Arts

It was also during this time that he contracted the recurring respiratory ailment that would plague him for the rest of his life.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a patient's medical history, using "recurring ailment" can effectively communicate the repetitive nature of their health issues. Ensure clarity by specifying the type of ailment when possible.

Common error

While "recurring ailment" is appropriate in formal contexts, avoid using it in casual conversation where simpler terms like "returning illness" or "ongoing health problem" might be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "recurring ailment" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement in a sentence. It identifies a specific type of health problem characterized by its repetitive nature. Ludwig AI confirms the validity of this expression.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "recurring ailment" is a grammatically sound and usable term for describing a health condition that returns repeatedly. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and appropriate in written English. While not exceedingly common, its use in formal and medical contexts is well-established. Alternative phrases such as "chronic condition" or "persistent illness" can be used depending on the desired emphasis. The phrase finds its primary use in News & Media and Scientific sources, reflecting its descriptive and informative function.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recurring health problem

Replaces "ailment" with a more general term, "health problem".

enduring health issue

Focuses on the sustained nature of the health problem.

chronic condition

Focuses on the long-lasting nature of the health issue.

returning illness

Highlights the return of a past health issue.

persistent illness

Highlights the continuous and ongoing nature of the ailment.

cyclical disease

Implies a disease that occurs in cycles or phases.

relapsing condition

Emphasizes the return of symptoms after a period of improvement.

repeated sickness

Uses simpler vocabulary to convey the idea of frequent illness.

habitual malady

Focuses on the habitual nature of the malady.

perennial affliction

Suggests a long-lasting and ongoing source of suffering.

FAQs

How can I describe a health issue that keeps coming back?

You can use phrases like "recurring health problem", "chronic condition", or "persistent illness" to describe a health issue that repeatedly occurs.

Is "recurring ailment" a formal way to describe an illness?

"Recurring ailment" is generally considered a more formal way to describe an illness that returns repeatedly. In less formal settings, phrases like "returning illness" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between a "recurring ailment" and a "chronic condition"?

While both terms describe ongoing health issues, a "recurring ailment" specifically refers to a condition that repeatedly returns after periods of remission, whereas a "chronic condition" implies a persistent, long-lasting health issue that may not necessarily disappear and reappear.

How do I use "recurring ailment" in a sentence?

You can use "recurring ailment" in a sentence like this: "The patient's medical history revealed a "recurring ailment" of severe migraines that required frequent medication."