imbecility

[ im-buh-sil-i-tee ]

noun

, plural im·be·cil·i·ties.

1. an instance or point of weakness; feebleness; incapability.
2. stupidity; silliness; absurdity.
3. an instance of stupidity, silliness, or absurdity.
4. Psychology. (no longer in technical use; considered offensive) an intellectual disability, previously classified in a now obsolete rubric of developmental disorders as having a mental age of seven or eight years and an intelligence quotient of 25 to 50.

Word History and Origins

Origin of imbecility¹

First recorded in 1400–50; Middle English inbecillite, from Middle French imbecil(l)ite and Latin imbēcillitāt-, stem of imbēcillitās “weakness”; imbecile, -ity

Example Sentences

Condescension can be irritating in its expression of hysteria and imbecility, but that comes with freedom of speech.

From The Daily Beast

But the Nation of Islam had up to date imbecility to offer as well.

From The Daily Beast

He attributes much to the imprudence, or imbecility of the enemy, whose plan of saving an army he likens to Sterne's marble sheet.

From Project Gutenberg

These symptoms may be present in a variety of degrees, and in advanced cases even imbecility or paralysis may ensue.

From Project Gutenberg

As for Lyndaraxa, her repeated and unparalleled treachery can only be justified by the extreme imbecility of her lovers.

From Project Gutenberg

He did not anticipate that there would be any other outbreak of violence, or anything more than a partial imbecility.

From Project Gutenberg

They were induced also to do this by the imbecility of the kings who succeeded each other on the thrones of Syria and Cilicia.

From Project Gutenberg