Infirmity: meaning, definitions and examples

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infirmity

[ ษชnหˆfษœหmษชti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

physical condition

Infirmity refers to a physical or mental weakness or illness, especially one that is chronic or long-lasting.

Synonyms

frailty, illness, weakness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
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.

  • His advancing years brought on various infirmities that limited his mobility.
  • Infirmity prevented her from participating in many activities she once enjoyed.
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.

  • After the surgery, he felt a weakness in his legs.
  • Her emotional weakness made it difficult for her to cope with stress.
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.

  • She was absent from work due to a sudden illness.
  • His illness required hospitalization and extensive treatment.
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.

  • The frailty of the elderly woman became apparent when she struggled to lift the small package.
  • Despite his frailty, he maintained a sharp mind.

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.
Context #2 | Noun

moral weakness

Infirmity can also refer to a moral weakness or failing, such as a lack of willpower or self-control.

Synonyms

failing, flaw, weakness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
infirmity

Used to describe physical or mental weakness, especially due to old age or disease.

  • Her infirmity prevented her from climbing stairs
  • Despite his infirmity, he remained mentally sharp
weakness

A broad term that can refer to a lack of strength or an area of vulnerability, both physically and metaphorically.

  • His weakness in math made it difficult for him to pass the exam
  • Chocolate is her biggest weakness
failing

Refers to a particular deficiency or fault in someone's character or abilities. Often carries a negative connotation.

  • One of his failings is that he is often late
  • Despite her failings, she is a very kind person
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.

  • The vase has a small flaw on its base
  • His biggest flaw is his lack of patience

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น enfermidade

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค…เคธเคพเคฎเคฐเฅเคฅเฅเคฏ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Gebrechlichkeit

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ kelemahan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฝะตะผั–ั‡

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ niemoc

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็—…ๅผฑ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท infirmitรฉ

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ enfermedad

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท hastalฤฑk

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ณ‘์•ฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุนุฌุฒ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ nemocnost

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ choroba

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่™šๅผฑ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ bolezen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ veikleiki

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ำ™ะปัั–ะทะดั–ะบ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒแƒ•แƒแƒ“แƒ›แƒงแƒแƒคแƒแƒ‘แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ zษ™iflik

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ 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.