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

That allows doctors to evaluate a person’s balance, mobility and lower extremity strength all at once. — Devi Shastri, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026

The Eagles announced shortly after that Jackson had strength and movement in all of his extremities and was being taken to a local hospital for further evaluation. — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026

During the fire response, DFR said two firefighters suffered non-life-threatening burn injuries to their lower extremities, prompting them to be taken to the hospital. — Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026

That allows doctors to evaluate a person's balance, mobility and lower extremity strength all at once. — ABC News, 22 Aug. 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