flaccidity

American  

[fla-sid-i-tee, flak-] / flæˈsɪd ɪ ti, flæk- /

Sometimes flaccidness

noun

1. the state or condition of being soft and limp; flabbiness or lack of firmness.

   This therapy also tightens the skin by helping to reduce flaccidity, lift sagging tissues, and restore skin tone and structure.

2. lack of strength or force; weakness.

   Assuring other nations that the United States will exercise its power responsibly, sparingly, virtuously, and in accordance with international norms is not a sign of moral flaccidity.

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Etymology

Origin of flaccidity

flaccid ( def. ) + -ity ( def. )

Example Sentences

Evaluating the parlous flaccidity of our schools, James Traub thinks we’re in big trouble—but he also finds reason for hope.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 16, 2026

The lack of muscle tone, known as hypotonicity or flaccidity, may indicate that the LMN is not conducting action potentials that will keep a basal level of acetylcholine in the neuromuscular junction.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The age was running to athletics, so Mr. Crabb in public had become the apostle and high priest of flaccidity.

From The Maker of Opportunities by Gibbs, George

Esophagoscopic findings are those of absence of the normal resistance at the cricopharyngeus, flaccidity and lack of sensation of the esophageal walls, and perhaps adherence of particles of food to the folds.

From Bronchoscopy and Esophagoscopy A Manual of Peroral Endoscopy and Laryngeal Surgery by Jackson, Chevalier

Nor need we fear that the result of this would be any flaccidity of conviction, or lethargy in act.

From On Compromise by Morley, John

Related Words

• elasticity
• resilience