debility

[ dih-bil-i-tee ]

noun

, plural de·bil·i·ties.

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

For those who don’t die, the outcome can still be prolonged and severe debility.

From No Straight News

He feared she might not rally again; that the extreme debility might prevent it: and he said as much to Hyde in private.

From Project Gutenberg

I tried Sanatogen on a woman suffering from extreme neurasthenia and debility.

From Project Gutenberg

His health was such that he could take no solid food; sleep had left him; his debility was extreme.

From Project Gutenberg

Used immoderately, it exhausts both the mental and bodily powers, and produces great debility.

From Project Gutenberg

The last and hardest trial of all—long debility and frequent illness—had failed to shake this intense serenity.

From Project Gutenberg