infirmity

[ in-fur-mi-tee ]

noun

, plural in·fir·mi·ties

1. a physical weakness or ailment:

   the infirmities of age.

2. quality or state of being infirm; lack of strength.
3. a moral weakness or failing.

   Synonyms: fault, defect, flaw

infirmity

/ ɪnˈfɜːmɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being infirm
2. physical weakness or debility; frailty
3. a moral flaw or failing

Other Words From

• super·in·firmi·ty noun plural superinfirmities

Word History and Origins

Origin of infirmity¹

1325–75; Middle English infirmite < Latin infirmitās. See infirm, -ity

Example Sentences

His age, seeming infirmity, and catastrophically bad debate performance against Trump cast a pall of depression over many Democratic organizations and activists, and it seemed Trump then had a path toward a clear victory.

From Salon

She seems to demand as much attention as a newborn infant by weaponizing her exaggerated infirmity.

From Los Angeles Times

Joe Biden’s courageous and patriotic decision to end his presidential campaign allows American voters to refocus their attention from questions of age and infirmity and get back to politics.

From Salon

The state’s attorney office said Barbier was released Thursday — prosecutors didn’t seek to keep him in jail because of his age and “physical infirmity.”

From Seattle Times

Gypsy Rose was so convincing at playing up her infirmities that doctors subjected her to numerous unnecessary surgeries, including having her salivary glands removed and installing a feeding port in her stomach.

From Salon

Related Words

• affliction
• ailment
• deficiency
• frailty
• ill health
• imperfection
• malady