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 of extremity

• 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

However, the Titans reported Nissan Stadium had among the highest number of lower-extremity injuries from 2018-2021 … before switching from grass to turf. — Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Police said the victims sustained gunshot wounds primarily to their extremities, including their arms and legs. — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026

The five-times sit-to-stand test assesses functional lower extremity strength and is associated with fall risk and mortality. — Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Focus on the abdomen first, then gynecomastia reduction and sometimes a body lift at the same time, and finally the extremities like arms and thighs. — The Editors, Robb Report, 19 July 2026

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