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

Numbness Nerve damage in the extremities (peripheral neuropathy), can happen over time in people with high blood sugar. —Barbie Cervoni, Verywell Health, 15 July 2025

Sitting still for an extended period can cause circulation to slow, which results in fluids in your body accumulating in your lower extremities, aka swollen feet and ankles. —Katie Akin, Southern Living, 12 July 2025

These symptoms could also be signs of a vascular problem, such as peripheral artery disease, in which blood flow to your extremities is limited or blocked. —Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 23 June 2025

For the frosty-cold session, the tennis icon wore a dark two-piece that exposed her stomach and legs to the frigid temperatures, but protected her ears with a thick headband, and her extremities with oversized white gloves and shin-length socks. —Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 19 June 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