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Debility Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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debility

[dษชหˆbษชlษชti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

physical weakness

Debility refers to a state of physical weakness, often resulting from illness or old age. It is characterized by a lack of strength, vitality, and energy.

Synonyms

feebleness, frailty, weakness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
debility

This term is often used in medical or technical contexts to describe a general state of physical or mental weakness. It sounds more clinical and formal.

  • After the prolonged illness, he was left with a marked debility.
  • The treatment aims to reduce debility and improve the quality of life.
weakness

This is the most general term and can be used to describe lack of strength, power, or capability in a wide variety of contexts including physical, mental, or moral aspects.

  • He had a sudden weakness in his legs after running the marathon.
  • His weakness for sweets often got him into trouble with his diet.
frailty

Often refers to the physical weakness most commonly associated with old age or certain conditions. Can also describe moral or mental weakness, though less commonly in modern usage.

  • Her frailty became more apparent as she climbed the stairs.
  • Despite his physical frailty, his spirit remained strong.
feebleness

Typically describes a lack of strength or physical power and can be used in both medical and everyday contexts. It can sometimes carry a slightly negative tone, implying ineffectiveness or lack of impact.

  • His voice was full of feebleness as he tried to make himself heard.
  • The feebleness of his arguments made the debate seem one-sided.

Examples of usage

  • The patient experienced severe debility after being bedridden for weeks.
  • Old age can bring debility and frailty to even the strongest individuals.
Context #2 | Noun

lack of mental or moral strength

Debility can also refer to a lack of mental or moral strength. It is the state of being feeble-minded or morally weak.

Synonyms

feebleness, frailty, infirmity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
debility

Typically used in medical or formal contexts to describe a general state of physical weakness or illness, especially after a disease or illness.

  • After recovering from the flu, he experienced a period of debility.
feebleness

Often used to describe both physical weakness and a lack of strength in actions, arguments, or emotions. It can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation, implying a lack of effectiveness.

  • Her voice was full of feebleness as she tried to argue her point.
  • The old manโ€™s feebleness became more apparent with each passing day.
frailty

Commonly used to refer to physical weakness due to old age, but it can also describe vulnerability or weaknesses in character or emotions.

  • His frailty made it hard for him to walk long distances.
  • The story touched on the frailty of human emotions.
infirmity

Often used in formal or medical contexts to indicate chronic illness or long-term physical weakness, usually associated with aging.

  • She struggled with the infirmities that come with advanced age.

Examples of usage

  • His debility of character prevented him from standing up for what he believed in.
  • She struggled with debility of mind, unable to make simple decisions.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Health

  • Debility can result from chronic illnesses, such as cancer or heart disease, and affects daily activities.
  • In rehabilitation settings, managing debility involves specific exercises to rebuild strength.
  • Nutritional gaps in the diet are often a major contributing factor to physical debility.

Psychology

  • Mental debility can arise from prolonged stress or anxiety, impacting a person's ability to concentrate.
  • Cognitive debility is often seen in conditions like ADHD, where focusing becomes a daily challenge.
  • Therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy can help address mental debility by strengthening coping mechanisms.

Literature

  • In literature, characters often face physical or mental debility as a metaphor for personal struggles and growth.
  • Themes of debility can be found in classic novels where protagonists must overcome both physical and emotional weaknesses.
  • Poetry often uses images of debility to evoke feelings of fragility and resilience in human nature.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures have varied expressions for weakness, often associated with themes of humility and recovery.
  • In some traditions, rituals are performed to overcome debility, emphasizing community support and healing.
  • Cultural narratives about strength often contrast sharply with stories of debility, highlighting the human condition.

Origin of 'debility'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'debilitas,' meaning weakness.
  • It was first used in English during the late 14th century, evolving from earlier forms of the word.
  • The prefix 'de-' typically suggests removal or reversal, while '-bility' implies a state of being.

The word 'debility' originated from the Latin word 'debilitas', which means weakness. It has been used in English since the 15th century to describe various forms of weakness, whether physical, mental, or moral.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,109, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.