to-be-haunted-by-a-lingering-malaise
/tuː biː ˈhɔːn.tɪd baɪ ə ˈlɪə.rɪŋ məˈleɪz/ IELTSAcademic
phrase
To feel a lasting, hard-to-shake sense of discomfort, worry, or ill health. It suggests the feeling stays in your mind or body for a long time.
- She was haunted by a lingering malaise after the trip.
- The city seemed haunted by a lingering malaise.
- He spoke as if haunted by a lingering malaise.
Adinary Nuance
This phrase is much more literary and dramatic than simple words like 'worried' or 'unwell'. Use it when you want to show that the discomfort feels long-lasting and almost haunting. It sounds stronger than 'feeling off' and more serious than 'a bit tired'.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- nỗi khó chịu kéo dài
- Spanish
- malestar persistente
- Chinese
- 挥之不去的不适
- Japanese
- 長引く不調
- Korean
- 지속되는 불쾌감
Etymology
This is a modern descriptive phrase built from English words. It combines 'haunted' with 'lingering' and 'malaise', a French loanword that entered English in the 18th century.
Common phrases
haunted by a feelinga lingering malaisesuffer from malaise
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is 'to be haunted by a lingering malaise' formal or informal?
- It is formal and literary. It fits essays, reports, and descriptive writing more than everyday speech.
- Can I use this phrase in IELTS Writing?
- Yes, but only if the context is serious and the wording sounds natural. It is best for formal or reflective writing.
- What is the difference between 'malaise' and 'illness'?
- 'Malaise' suggests a general feeling of discomfort or weakness. 'Illness' usually means a specific medical problem.
- Can this phrase describe emotions, not just health?
- Yes. It can describe a lasting emotional unease or social discomfort, not only physical sickness.