To affect with pain or uneasiness, either physical or mental; to trouble; to be the matter with; used to express some uneasiness or affection, whose cause is unknown; as, what ails the man? I know not what ails him
If something ails a group or area of activity, it is a problem or source of trouble for that group or for people involved in that activity. A full-scale debate is under way on what ails the industry. To cause physical or mental pain or uneasiness to; trouble. See Synonyms at trouble