infirmity

noun

in·​fir·​mi·​ty in-ˈfər-mə-tē 

plural infirmities

1

a

: the quality or state of being infirm

b

: the condition of being feeble : frailty

2

: disease, malady

3

: a personal failing : foible

one of the besetting infirmities of living creatures is egotism

—A. J. Toynbee

Synonyms

• disease
• illness
• ailment
• ill
• sickness
• condition

Examples of infirmity in a Sentence

In recent years she has had to reduce her schedule because of age and infirmity.

the infirmities of old age

Recent Examples on the Web

Humor savors an infirmity — a foible, a failing, a venality, a flaw. —Big Think, 23 Sep. 2025

The young men naturally start out strongly, but exhaustion, physical infirmities and psychological stress eventually take their toll on them one by one. —Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2025

The governor skillfully countered attacks from Republicans and conservative media regarding Biden’s mental infirmity and physical limitations. —Matt Klink, Oc Register, 28 May 2025

The decision of Democrats to ignore Biden’s infirmity and boost him in 2024 looked risky at the time. —Michael Graham, Boston Herald, 21 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

infirmity

noun

in·​fir·​mi·​ty in-ˈfər-mət-ē 

plural infirmities

1

: the quality or state of being infirm

2

: ailment, disease

Medical Definition

infirmity

noun

in·​fir·​mi·​ty in-ˈfər-mət-ē 

plural infirmities

: the quality or state of being infirm

especially : an unsound, unhealthy, or debilitated state