chronic illness; persistent bad habit
Meanings
2 senses · 7 examplesnoun
chronic illness; stubborn disease
literaryLiterary or formal term. Used to describe ailments that persist over a long period and are difficult to cure. Can be used metaphorically.
Medical science is becoming more advanced, and many so-called chronic illnesses can now be cured.
Arthritis is a chronic illness that has troubled him for many years.
Show 2 more examplesShow fewer examples
This experienced traditional Chinese doctor specializes in treating various complicated diseases and chronic illnesses.
This disease was considered an incurable chronic illness at the time.
noun
deep-seated bad habit; ingrained fault
literaryOften used metaphorically to describe societal ills, organizational flaws, or personal vices that are stubbornly persistent.
Bureaucracy is a deep-seated ailment of this institution over the years.
His ingrained habit of lying is probably something he'll never get rid of in this lifetime.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
It requires long-term effort to completely eradicate the social malady of corruption.