senility

American  

[si-nil-i-tee] / sɪˈnɪl ɪ ti /

noun

1. the state of being senile, especially the weakness or mental infirmity of old age.

---

Etymology

Origin of senility

First recorded in 1770–80; senile + -ity

Compare meaning

How does senility compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• dementia vs. senility

Explanation

Senility refers to mental deterioration that often comes with old age, as in severe memory problems. If you find your shoes in the fridge or accidentally call your son by the dog's name, you may wonder if senility is kicking in. Senility is related to the word senile, which itself is from the Latin word senilis, meaning "old age." There are subtle differences between senility and Alzheimer's disease, which causes memory loss as well as emotional and behavioral changes. If you suspect someone you care about is experiencing senility or Alzheimer's disease, you should consult a physician because treatments may be available to help slow the process.

Example Sentences

But don’t count on it to ward off senility.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2023

Colin, an unemployed man in his 50s, and his mother, Barbara, teetering on the edge of senility, have lived in Room 4 for nearly a year, trying to fend off impending indignity.

From New York Times • Mar. 2, 2023

He has been accused of senility, stupidity and a wide spectrum of other incompetencies.

From Salon • Nov. 26, 2022

In the distorted mirrors of social media commentary, every slip is magnified into supposed proof of senility.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 19, 2022

Even though his wife and the kook claimed that the senility routine was a front, he doubted that she would be able to write a letter like that.

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole