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

• affection
• ail
• ailment
• bug
• complaint
• complication
• condition
• disease
• disorder
• distemper
• distemperature
• fever
• ill
• illness
• malady
• sickness
• trouble

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

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

This decision, framed by loyalty and political considerations, obscured the president’s infirmity at a moment of pivotal international consequence. —Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025

Despite his infirmities, Washington served his nation again by running for a second term. —Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2025

And yet Francis has never been shy about showing his frailty, age or infirmities in ways that seem unthinkable for public figures for whom any sign of fragility can threaten their authority and undermine their agenda. —Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 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