ailed

past tense of ail

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ailed Yet much of what has ailed Dallas against Green Bay applies to the rest of their opponents, as well, and has left them rarely able to make consistent progress toward becoming a legitimate playoff contender. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 19 Oct. 2026 The pics included a sweet snap of Harry kissing Lili, setting up a game of archery balloons with Archie and driving his kids on an all-terrain vehicle while being ailed by the family’s Labrador retriever, Pula. — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2026 Because for all else that ailed the Chiefs last year, a common denominator was the loss of that certain something that starts with discipline and an edge. — Kansas City Star, 18 Aug. 2026 Whatever ailed this World Cup, the beautiful game was waiting with its healing powers. — Miami Herald, 12 July 2026 Shingles, folliculitis, and COVID-19 also ailed her during this time. — David Oliver, USA Today, 8 June 2026 The tweaks should fix much of what has long ailed it. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2026 With none of the colonialist baggage associated with the two European superpowers, America was turned to, almost as a last resort, to fix what ailed Iran. — Daniel Thomas Potts, The Conversation, 30 Mar. 2026 That struggling Cincinnati defense has been the cure-all for anything that has ailed the Steelers’ offense in recent years. — Mike Defabo, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ailed
Verb
  • If they really can’t be bothered to show some respect then we shouldn’t be bothered enough to give them our attention and money.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Blitzes also haven’t bothered USC’s passing attack much, either.
    — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The new company has nearly $80 billion in debt, with leverage of six-and-a-half times trailing earnings, a ratio that has alarmed investors and triggered credit rating downgrades.
    — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Abiy’s persistent calls for sovereign access to Eritrea’s Red Sea port of Assab have alarmed Eritrea and deepened the rift.
    — KHALED KAZZIHA, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • An officer responded to PSA, and police said about two pallets of cards were stolen from the truck and a third was disturbed.
    — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
  • As one of the most effective natural sinks for carbon, peatlands could accelerate climate change if disturbed.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Take accountability for the times you yourself have been distracted (for whatever reason) and haven’t met the other’s needs.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Know when to ask for another ball and try your best not to be distracted by a nice rack.
    — Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Opponents of Proposition 40 are concerned that the threat of wealth taxes will lead to billionaires continuing to leave the state, resulting in a long-term decrease in state income tax revenue.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Campaign promises Castro says residents continue to be concerned about development, corruption and public safety.
    — Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The deal drew concern from legislators and delivery drivers, who worried about reduced competition.
    — Jay Ganglani, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Korpi wanted to leave the experiment because he wasn’t allowed to study for an upcoming graduate school admission test, and was getting worried about being unprepared.
    — Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • But he was plagued by guilt over his ancestor’s role in the trials, and felt compelled to explore themes of human character, greed, and social decay through his work.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Joan realizes that her mother’s vanishing meshes with a larger tapestry of tragedy that has plagued their family over the years.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Short enough to read in a single sitting, Sara Gran’s chilling story of an architect succumbing to demonic possession will leave readers stunned and unsettled.
    — David Faris, TheWeek, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The recent layoffs have nevertheless unsettled Britain’s independent production community, which has already endured several difficult years of shrinking budgets and fewer commissions.
    — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 21 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ailed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ailed. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster