Malaise Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/məˈleɪz/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A feeling of general discomfort, unease, or illness, often without a specific cause or diagnosis.

Examples

• The patient complained of a general malaise after the accident.
• The doctor was unable to pinpoint the cause of the patient’s malaise.

Synonyms

• Lassitude
• Fatigue

Antonyms

• Vigor
• Energetic

Additional Information

Malaise can be a symptom of various underlying medical conditions, including infections, nutritional deficiencies, or chronic illnesses. It can also be caused by psychological factors, such as stress, anxiety, or depression. In some cases, malaise can be a side effect of certain medications or medical treatments.

Malaise can manifest in different ways, including feelings of lethargy, lack of motivation, or a general sense of being unwell. It can be challenging to diagnose and treat, as it often lacks specific symptoms or markers.

Eymology

The word “malaise” originates from the Old French “malaise,” meaning “discomfort” or “illness.” It has its roots in the Latin “male” meaning “bad” and “aise” meaning “ease.”

Usage Notes

Malaise is often used to describe a general feeling of discomfort or unease, rather than a specific medical symptom. It can be used in a medical context to describe a patient’s overall state of health, or in a more general sense to describe a feeling of being unwell or out of sorts.

Cultural References

Malaise has been referenced in popular culture, including in literature, music, and film. For example, the novel “The Malaise of Modernity” by Alasdair MacIntyre explores the concept of malaise in modern society.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “Feel out of sorts” – to experience a general feeling of malaise or discomfort.
• “Under the weather” – to feel unwell or experience malaise.

Related Words or Phrases

• Lethargy
• Fatigue
• Ennui

Collocations

• “feel a malaise”
• “experience malaise”
• “general malaise”

Frequency of Use

Malaise is a relatively uncommon word in modern language, but it is often used in medical contexts to describe a patient’s overall state of health.

Common Misspellings

• Malais
• Malasie
• Malease