extremity

American  

[ik-strem-i-tee] / ɪkˈstrɛm ɪ ti /

noun

plural

extremities

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.

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extremity British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• superextremity noun

Etymology

Origin of extremity

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

Example Sentences

On behalf of Bosh's next of kin, Mark Stewart KC said: "People might wonder and ask why it is that police officers who are armed do not shoot to injure by shooting an extremity."

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

Bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds were performed and revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70.

From Slate • Jul. 18, 2025

"We saw more extremity melanoma, and more later-stage disease."

From Science Daily • May 10, 2024

Even for a pair of Angelenos who have seen plenty of outlandish landscapes and economic extremity, the beauty-and-wealth situation was striking.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 22, 2023

In a grandiloquent, newsreel-style voice, the show’s narrator, Westbrook Van Voorhis, began his report: “Today, at the eastern extremity of the state of Pennsylvania, a remarkable construction project is transforming the face of the countryside.”

From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove

Related Words

• terminus