infirmity

[ in-fur-mi-tee ]

noun

, plural in·fir·mi·ties

1. a physical weakness or ailment:

   the infirmities of age.

2. quality or state of being infirm; lack of strength.
3. a moral weakness or failing.

   Synonyms: fault, defect, flaw

infirmity

/ ɪnˈfɜːmɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being infirm
2. physical weakness or debility; frailty
3. a moral flaw or failing

Other Words From

• super·in·firmi·ty noun plural superinfirmities

Word History and Origins

Origin of infirmity¹

1325–75; Middle English infirmite < Latin infirmitās. See infirm, -ity

Example Sentences

Page asked each candidate whether they had discussed the issue of age and infirmity with the presidential standard-bearers.

From Washington Post

Alma Hitchcock, the times I saw her, was a frail, birdlike woman who looked angry about her infirmity.

From The Daily Beast

The state law bars giving gun permits to people with a “physical infirmity that inhibits safe handling.”

From The Daily Beast

Whether infirmity or utter lack of enthusiasm is the reason remains unclear.

From The Daily Beast

Medical infirmity, a standard clause in most contracts like this, might have provided him a consequence-free out.

From The Daily Beast

There remain still the uncounted thousands who by accident or illness, age or infirmity, are unable to maintain themselves.

From Project Gutenberg

If he declines, or shews the least infirmity of purpose, he will be drugged and taken home that way.

From Project Gutenberg

Robin the gardener brought up the rear, his body all shaking with his infirmity, and showing the divine stigmata on his hands.

From Project Gutenberg

Peter was not lame; but his father, by reason of that infirmity had received the nick-name which his son preserved.

From Project Gutenberg

Woman's prescriptive infirmity had stalked into the sunlight, which had clothed it in the freshness of an originality.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• affliction
• ailment
• deficiency
• frailty
• ill health
• imperfection
• malady