What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
infirm
Example
The infirm woman needed help getting out of bed. [infirm: adjective]
Example
He was too infirm to walk without the aid of a cane. [infirm: adjective]
ailing
Example
The ailing patient was given medication to manage their pain. [ailing: adjective]
Example
She was feeling a bit ailing after catching a cold. [ailing: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ailing is more commonly used in everyday language than infirm. Ailing is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while infirm is less common and refers to a more specific condition.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between infirm and ailing?
Both infirm and ailing are considered formal words and are typically used in medical or professional settings.
