frailty

noun

frail·​ty ˈfrāl-tē How to pronounce frailty (audio)
plural frailties
1
: the quality or state of being frail
the frailty of her health
the frailty and disability in the elderly
2
: a fault due to weakness especially of moral character
Satire … often employs irony and sarcasm to denounce the frailties and faults of mankind.Harry Shaw
Choose the Right Synonym for frailty

fault, failing, frailty, foible, vice mean an imperfection or weakness of character.

fault implies a failure, not necessarily culpable, to reach some standard of perfection in disposition, action, or habit.

a writer of many virtues and few faults

failing suggests a minor shortcoming in character.

being late is a failing of mine

frailty implies a general or chronic proneness to yield to temptation.

human frailties

foible applies to a harmless or endearing weakness or idiosyncrasy.

an eccentric's charming foibles

vice can be a general term for any imperfection or weakness, but it often suggests violation of a moral code or the giving of offense to the moral sensibilities of others.

compulsive gambling was his vice

Examples of frailty in a Sentence

the frailty of her voice We can no longer be surprised by the frailties of our political leaders.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Great towers are built on strong foundations, not human frailty and vice. Matthew Liptak, Orlando Sentinel, 17 Nov. 2024 After Truman’s landslide victory, he was photographed holding up the mistaken front page in what would become an iconic reminder of the frailty of polls and the perils of calling an election before a majority of the ballots had been counted. Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024 Perhaps this was a timely reminder of Jesus’ frailty. James McNicholas, The Athletic, 24 Aug. 2024 Indeed, based on his comments Thursday, Mr. Biden seems to be somewhat oblivious to the political furor surrounding him and in denial about his frailty, personally and politically. Editorial Board, Washington Post, 12 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for frailty 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English frelete, freelte, borrowed from Anglo-French freleté, going back to Latin fragilitāt-, fragilitās, from fragilis "liable to break, weak, fragile" + -itāt-, -itās -ity

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of frailty was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near frailty

Cite this Entry

“Frailty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frailty. Accessed 12 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

frailty

noun
frail·​ty ˈfrā(-ə)l-tē How to pronounce frailty (audio)
plural frailties
1
: the quality or state of being frail
2
: a weakness of character

More from Merriam-Webster on frailty

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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