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

Right tackle Austin Jackson was held out of his second practice after being stepped on, which led to a lower extremity injury. —Omar Kelly august 3, Miami Herald, 3 Aug. 2025

Other neurological symptoms can include memory loss, trouble concentrating, muscle weakness, or tingling and numbness in the extremities. —Amber Brenza, Health, 1 Aug. 2025

According to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Moreau died of blunt trauma of the head, neck, torso and extremities. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 30 July 2025

As a result, blood can pool in the lower extremities, leading to swelling, discomfort and a range of other symptoms. —Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 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