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

More broadly, experts are concerned that as the public reflexively jumps from seeing a person display infirmity or disability to accusing them of mental incompetence, they perpetuate stereotypes which harm everyone who has a disability or is elderly.

From Salon

Even before Vance’s addition to the Republican ticket, the internal Democratic struggle over whether age and infirmity should preclude President Biden from serving another term had been causing jitters in Europe, although allied leaders have carefully refrained from any public expression of concern over Biden’s fitness to run.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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