Meaning & use

infirmity

noun·Advanced

Physical or mental weakness, especially resulting from old age or illness.

See it in a sentence

Despite the infirmity of old age, he still walked to the market every morning.

The nursing home cares for residents suffering from various infirmities.

A note on using this word

Infirmity is somewhat formal or literary; 'illness' or 'frailty' sound more natural in everyday conversation.

Words with a similar meaning

frailtyailmentweakness

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

vigorstrength

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “infirmity”, then compare your use with the examples above.

Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.