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 of extremity

• 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

Neither of the first two updates relieved concerns about whether Campbell had movement in his extremities, either. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026

The sit-to-stand exercise is also widely regarded as a useful indicator of lower-extremity strength and fall risk in older adults. — Kristen Gasnick, Verywell Health, 30 Oct. 2026

Lawshe's attorney, Casey White, said the victims' injuries were all to the lower extremities and that should have made a difference in getting his client's charges dropped. — Lauren Linder, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026

There’s also research linking lower-extremity strength to better cognitive function in older adults. — Jenessa Connor, HEALTH, 26 Oct. 2026

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