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

Foy, famed for her Emmy-winning performance as a young Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown, was a far cry from the extremities of comfort and wealth attained only in the royal family’s opulent bubble while filming H Is for Hawk. —Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 12 Nov. 2025

The chief resident of orthopedic surgery at Cedars Sinai Medical Center walked jurors through X-rays showing Megan’s gunshot wounds on both of her lower extremities. —Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 12 Nov. 2025

All of that said, perhaps Trump, through his very extremity, has provided a galvanizing opportunity. —Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 10 Nov. 2025

Areas most prone to frostbite are uncovered skin and the extremities, such as hands and feet. —Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 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