extremity

noun

ex·​trem·​i·​ty ik-ˈstre-mə-tē 

plural extremities

1

a

: the farthest or most remote part, section, or point

the island's westernmost extremity

b

: a limb of the body

especially : a human hand or foot

2

a

: extreme danger or critical need

b

: a moment marked by imminent destruction or death

3

a

: an intense degree

the extremity of his participation

—Saturday Rev.

b

: the utmost degree (as of emotion or pain)

4

: a drastic or desperate act or measure

driven to extremities

Synonyms

• crisis
• head

Examples of extremity in a Sentence

The extremity of her grief is impossible to imagine.

made offers of aid to the refugees, and of asylum in extremity

Recent Examples on the Web

He’s been sidelined for a couple of weeks with a lower extremity injury after being stepped on during a training camp practice. —Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2025

Morice Norris is in stable condition and has feeling and movement in all his extremities. —Josh Kendall, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2025

While there, reports from the Lions indicated that Norris was alert, responsive, and had movement in his extremities. —James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Aug. 2025

Earlier, Lions head coach Dan Campbell shared a positive update saying Norris is breathing, talking and had some movement in his extremities. —Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

extremity

noun

ex·​trem·​i·​ty ik-ˈstrem-ət-ē 

plural extremities

1

: the farthest limit, point, or part

2

: an end part of a limb of the body (as a hand or foot)

3

: an extreme degree (as of emotion or pain)

Medical Definition

extremity

noun

ex·​trem·​i·​ty ik-ˈstrem-ət-ē 

plural extremities

1

: the farthest or most remote part, section, or point

2

: a limb of the body

especially : a human hand or foot