Infirmity: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ค
infirmity
[ ษชnหfษหmษชti ]
physical condition
Infirmity refers to a physical or mental weakness or illness, especially one that is chronic or long-lasting.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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infirmity |
Typically used to refer to chronic, long-term conditions that weaken the body or mind. Often associated with old age but can apply to any long-term health issue.
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weakness |
Generally describes a lack of strength, either physical or emotional. It can be temporary or persistent and isn't necessarily linked to being sick or old.
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illness |
Refers to a specific condition or disease affecting the body or mind. It can be short-term or long-term and can range from mild to severe.
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frailty |
Used to describe a general state of weakness or delicateness, often related to old age or physical vulnerability. It's more about vulnerability to harm rather than a specific illness.
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Examples of usage
- Despite her infirmities, she remained active and independent.
- The old man struggled with the infirmities of old age.
- Weakness and frailty are common signs of infirmity.
moral weakness
Infirmity can also refer to a moral weakness or failing, such as a lack of willpower or self-control.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
infirmity |
Used to describe physical or mental weakness, especially due to old age or disease.
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weakness |
A broad term that can refer to a lack of strength or an area of vulnerability, both physically and metaphorically.
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failing |
Refers to a particular deficiency or fault in someone's character or abilities. Often carries a negative connotation.
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flaw |
Describes an imperfection or weakness, often in a physical object or system, but can also refer to a character defect or mistake in a plan.
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Examples of usage
- His infirmity of character led to his downfall.
- She struggled with the infirmity of temptation.
Translations
Translations of the word "infirmity" in other languages:
๐ต๐น enfermidade
๐ฎ๐ณ เค เคธเคพเคฎเคฐเฅเคฅเฅเคฏ
๐ฉ๐ช Gebrechlichkeit
๐ฎ๐ฉ kelemahan
๐บ๐ฆ ะฝะตะผัั
๐ต๐ฑ niemoc
๐ฏ๐ต ็ ๅผฑ
๐ซ๐ท infirmitรฉ
๐ช๐ธ enfermedad
๐น๐ท hastalฤฑk
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ณ์ฝ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุนุฌุฒ
๐จ๐ฟ nemocnost
๐ธ๐ฐ choroba
๐จ๐ณ ่ๅผฑ
๐ธ๐ฎ bolezen
๐ฎ๐ธ veikleiki
๐ฐ๐ฟ ำะปััะทะดัะบ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแแงแแคแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ zษiflik
๐ฒ๐ฝ enfermedad
Etymology
The word 'infirmity' originated from the Latin word 'infirmus', which means 'weak' or 'feeble'. It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe both physical and moral weaknesses. Over time, its usage has evolved to encompass a wide range of weaknesses, whether they are related to health, character, or willpower.
See also: infirmary.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #15,326, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.
- ...
- 15323 azimuth
- 15324 circumcision
- 15325 ellipse
- 15326 infirmity
- 15327 discredited
- 15328 slumped
- 15329 membranous
- ...