frailty

[ freyl-tee, frey-uhl- ]

noun

, plural frail·ties

1. the quality or state of being frail.

   Synonyms: weakness, delicacy

2. moral weakness; liability to yield to temptation.
3. a fault resulting from moral weakness:

   frailties of the human flesh.

   Synonyms: defect, flaw

frailty

/ ˈfreɪltɪ /

noun

1. physical or moral weakness
2. often plural a fault symptomatic of moral weakness

Other Words From

• over·frailty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of frailty¹

1300–50; Middle English frailte, frelete < Old French frailete < Latin fragilitāt- (stem of fragilitās ). See frail ¹, -ity

Example Sentences

The 'Covid-19 decision tool' assigned points based on a patient's age, frailty and underlying conditions.

From BBC

The draft document advised doctors to score Covid patients based on three criteria, using a frailty scale.

From BBC

It seemed that allegations of frailty and inability to lead did not stick to Trump — who might ramble and give odd answers but typically sounded forceful and self-assured.

From Los Angeles Times

After Truman’s landslide victory, he was photographed holding up the mistaken front page in what would become an iconic reminder of the frailty of polls and the perils of calling an election before a majority of the ballots had been counted.

From Los Angeles Times

And for a campaign that had focused on Biden’s age and frailty, it is now Trump whose stamina and coherence are under the microscope.

From BBC

Related Words

• defect
• deficiency
• failing
• fallibility
• foible
• imperfection
• infirmity
• shortcoming