seriously ailing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seriously ailing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is in a critical or severe state of illness or decline. Example: "The patient has been seriously ailing for weeks, and the doctors are concerned about his prognosis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

By this time he was seriously ailing, perhaps with diabetes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We're not quite dead, but we are seriously ailing.

The New York Times

Barneys New York, which does not publicly report monthly sales, is seriously ailing.

The New York Times

The seriously ailing comedian and pianist Dudley Moore, 66, made his name in Beyond the Fringe (1960) and Not Only..

The Guardian

The movie also is the final film of Marcello Mastroianni, who completed it shortly before his death and appears to be seriously ailing on the screen.

The New York Times

Such fans were also contemptuous of center fielder Bernie Williams spending time away from the Yankees to be bedside with his seriously ailing father in Puerto Rico.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"We urge you to intervene and... withdraw this proposal which, if it were to go ahead, would seriously exacerbate an already ailing investment climate for producing oil and gas within Europe," says the letter, which is dated 17 July, and signed by nine company presidents, directors and board members.

The Guardian

But then Moore hauls off three ailing Ground Zero rescue workers and other seriously ill people to Guantánamo Bay, where the detainees allegedly get good (and free) health care.

The New Yorker

The humor lies in the present: a quirky captain, his mate and a spoiled dog aboard an ailing riverboat with no running water and some seriously cramped quarters.

The New York Times - Books

Throw in a few pets and an ailing grandparent or two, and things can get seriously tight in the finance department.

Huffington Post

Mr Friedman is a passionate Texan who is taking this race very seriously by bringing issues to the public eye that other candidates steer away from and by offering remedies for the ailing state education system.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a condition as "seriously ailing", ensure the context clearly indicates the severity and potential consequences. This phrase is best used when the situation is dire and requires urgent attention.

Common error

Avoid using "seriously ailing" to describe minor health issues or temporary setbacks. This phrase implies a grave situation, and using it inappropriately can create unnecessary alarm or misrepresent the true state of affairs.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seriously ailing" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying a noun. It indicates that the subject (person, economy, organization, etc.) is experiencing a severe and critical state of decline or illness. This aligns with the examples provided by Ludwig, where entities ranging from individuals to entire economies are described as being "seriously ailing".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seriously ailing" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe a severe state of illness or decline. Ludwig's analysis confirms its frequent use in news and media contexts, as well as its appropriateness in formal writing. While alternatives like "gravely ill" or "critically unwell" exist, the choice depends on the desired nuance and formality. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's essential to use "seriously ailing" accurately, avoiding exaggeration and ensuring the context aligns with the phrase's implication of a grave situation. The word 'seriously' gives more emphasis to the concept of 'ailing'.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gravely ill

Replaces "seriously ailing" with a more direct adjective describing the severity of the illness.

critically unwell

Uses "critically" to emphasize the severity and "unwell" as a more general term for being sick.

in critical condition

Focuses on the medical status of the individual, emphasizing the precariousness of their health.

in a severe state of decline

Highlights the declining health status, suitable for conditions beyond just illness.

fighting for their life

Emphasizes the struggle against a life-threatening illness.

on death's door

An idiomatic expression indicating that someone is very close to dying.

at death's door

An idiomatic expression indicating that someone is very close to dying.

in a precarious state of health

Focuses on the instability and vulnerability of the person's health.

suffering from a life-threatening illness

Specifies the nature of the illness as posing a risk to life.

extremely sick

A more straightforward and less formal way of expressing serious illness.

FAQs

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

You can use "seriously ailing" to describe a person, organization, or system experiencing a severe decline in health or functionality. For example, "The patient has been "seriously ailing" for weeks" or "The company's finances are "seriously ailing"".

What are some alternatives to "seriously ailing"?

Alternatives include "gravely ill", "critically unwell", or "in critical condition". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "seriously ailing" in formal writing?

Yes, "seriously ailing" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing serious situations. However, ensure the tone is respectful and avoids sensationalism. In some cases, a more clinical term might be preferred, depending on the audience and purpose.

What's the difference between "ailing" and "seriously ailing"?

"Ailing" simply means experiencing poor health or problems, while ""seriously ailing"" implies a severe and potentially life-threatening or critical condition. The addition of "seriously" emphasizes the gravity of the situation.