noun
malady
MAL-uh-dee/ˈmælədi/
A disorder that impairs healthy functioning.
The clinician examines the coughing woman to identify the malady affecting her chest.
Etymology
Old French maladie meant sickness or disease. The meaning broadened from bodily illness to a disordered mental or moral condition, allowing malady to describe a serious problem as well as a physical ailment.
In context
my medical knowledge told me that there were some serious internal malady he had been drinking also
More examples
- She recovered from a malady that had left her weak.
- The clinic treats common maladies such as colds and ear infections.
- Poor communication is a persistent malady in the organization.
Forms
malady · maladies