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

The condition causes nerve damage, primarily in the extremities, that can interfere with the ability to walk. —Chris Willman, Variety, 4 June 2026

Its symptoms are similar to typhus, except the rash starts at the extremities and moves to the trunk. —Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2026

More than 100 small rocks, and countless fragments of metal, had penetrated his face, neck, shoulders, and extremities. —Martha Raddatz, The Atlantic, 25 May 2026

Placing our extremities in alternative positions to optimize the range of the skin, rather than just the joint, is one example of the specialized care to our survivors receive that directly impacts their functional recovery. —Dr. Jaclyn M. Piselli, Hartford Courant, 16 May 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