extremity

[ ik-strem-i-tee ]

noun

, plural ex·trem·i·ties.

1. the extreme or terminal point, limit, or part of something.

   Synonyms: boundary, border, verge, termination, end

2. a limb of the body.
3. Usually extremities. the end part of a limb, as a hand or foot:

   to experience cold in one's extremities.

4. Often extremities. a condition or circumstance of extreme need, distress, etc.:

   to suffer the extremities of being poor.

5. the utmost or any extreme degree:

   the extremity of joy.

6. an extreme or extraordinary measure, act, etc.:

   to go to any extremity to feed the children.

7. extreme nature or character:

   the extremity of his views on foreign trade.

8. Archaic. a person's last moment before death.

extremity

/ ɪkˈstrɛmɪtɪ /

noun

1. the farthest or outermost point or section; termination
2. the greatest or most intense degree
3. an extreme condition or state, as of adversity or disease
4. a limb, such as a leg, arm, or wing, or the part of such a limb farthest from the trunk
5. archaic.
   usually plural a drastic or severe measure

Other Words From

• su·per·ex·trem·i·ty noun plural superextremities

Word History and Origins

Origin of extremity¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English word from Latin word extrēmitās. See extreme, -ity

Example Sentences

Given the extremity of the crisis we're in, we're not in some run of the mill “democracy versus the elites” situation.

From Salon

Lucas underwent surgery Tuesday morning to repair what Riley deemed to be “a lower extremity” injury.

From Los Angeles Times

There are characters that could be cut and scenes that could be shortened, but I continue to make retrospective discoveries about the psychology and morality of a contentious family drama that, in its tragicomic extremity and bold black humor, bears comparison with Tracy Letts’ “August: Osage County.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Never Let Go” reveals itself to be one of the most shockingly bleak American genre films in recent memory, though perhaps that’s not so surprising coming from a French director initially associated with the New French Extremity, who was once named as a part of the “Splat Pack” of up-and-coming horror directors in the early aughts.

From Los Angeles Times

But she’s also the type of person whose extremity and selfishness make it easy for the audience to overlook the filmmaker’s ethically questionable choices, beginning with having Cunningham stand in for him.

From Salon

Related Words

• terminus