infirm

adjective

in·​firm in-ˈfərm 

1

: of poor or deteriorated vitality

especially : feeble from age

2

: weak of mind, will, or character : irresolute, vacillating

3

: not solid or stable : insecure

infirmly adverb

Synonyms

• asthenic
• debilitated
• delicate
• down-and-out
• effete
• enervated
• enfeebled
• faint
• feeble
• frail
• languid
• low
• prostrate
• prostrated
• sapped
• slight
• soft
• softened
• tender
• unsubstantial
• wasted
• weak
• weakened
• wimpish
• wimpy

Choose the Right Synonym for infirm

weak, feeble, frail, fragile, infirm, decrepit mean not strong enough to endure strain, pressure, or strenuous effort.

weak applies to deficiency or inferiority in strength or power of any sort.

felt weak after the surgery

feeble suggests extreme weakness inviting pity or contempt.

a feeble attempt to walk

frail implies delicacy and slightness of constitution or structure.

a frail teenager unable to enjoy sports

fragile suggests frailty and brittleness unable to resist rough usage.

a reclusive poet too fragile for the rigors of this world

infirm suggests instability, unsoundness, and insecurity due to old age or disabling illness.

infirm residents requiring constant care

decrepit implies being worn-out or broken-down from long use or old age.

the dowager's decrepit retainers

Examples of infirm in a Sentence

The clinic provides free care for elderly and infirm people who lack health insurance.

the elderly and infirm have to be especially careful during the winter months

Recent Examples on the Web

There’s obviously a parallel there to how Viserys (Paddy Considine) was at the end, infirm and ghoulish. —James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019

And his White House press office pushes back aggressively on any journalist suggestion that Biden is too old and infirm to run again. —David Mark, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 5 July 2024

Then, last week, came the excruciating debacle of Biden’s infirm, confused, and incoherent debate performance against Donald Trump. —Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 5 July 2024

Major uprisings recently blocked the reelection of Algeria’s infirm president, led to the overthrow of Sudan’s long-ruling leader, and challenged sectarian political orders in Iraq and Lebanon. —Marc Lynch, Foreign Affairs, 8 Dec. 2020

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin infirmus, from in- + firmus firm

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing infirm

• the infirm

Kids Definition

infirm

adjective

in·​firm in-ˈfərm 

: weak or frail in body (as from age or disease)

Medical Definition

infirm

adjective

in·​firm in-ˈfərm 

: of poor or deteriorated vitality

especially : feeble from age