debility

[dih-bil-i-tee]

noun

plural

debilities 

1. a weakened or enfeebled state; weakness.

   Debility prevented him from getting out of bed.

2. a particular mental or physical disability.

debility

/ dɪˈbɪlɪtɪ /

noun

1. weakness or infirmity

Word History and Origins

Origin of debility¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English debylite, from Middle French debilite, from Latin dēbilitās, from dēbil ( is ) “weak” + -itās -ity

Example Sentences

Among a population of veterans who have a high incidence of mental and physical debilities, some get discouraged and drop out of the process.

From Los Angeles Times

A correspondence that spans years might have its intermittent sputters, but it finally ends for a reason, and often — as with nearly all of the pairs mentioned here — that reason is someone’s death or debility.

From New York Times

Over and over, she finds language sufficient for her intense debility.

From New York Times

Rereading recently the Snopes and Studs Lonigan trilogies, I was struck by their insight into the emotional debility and ruthlessness of socially mobile men.

From New York Times

Underlying the GOP’s debilities, of course, is its small voter registration that has plunged over the years.

From Los Angeles Times