Definition of frailtynext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun frailty differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of frailty are failing, fault, foible, and vice. While all these words mean "an imperfection or weakness of character," frailty implies a general or chronic proneness to yield to temptation.

human frailties

When would failing be a good substitute for frailty?

The words failing and frailty can be used in similar contexts, but failing suggests a minor shortcoming in character.

being late is a failing of mine

In what contexts can fault take the place of frailty?

The words fault and frailty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

When can foible be used instead of frailty?

While the synonyms foible and frailty are close in meaning, foible applies to a harmless or endearing weakness or idiosyncrasy.

an eccentric's charming foibles

When is it sensible to use vice instead of frailty?

The synonyms vice and frailty are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of frailty Unlike a single disease, frailty is a condition in which multiple body systems—muscles, bones, the immune system, the brain—deteriorate simultaneously, leaving people weak, prone to falls, vulnerable to infections, and at a high risk of hospitalization. Andrew S. Brack, Time, 26 Feb. 2026 Arriving at Logan Airport, he was greeted by a small but vocal crowd, apparently unaware of Patrick’s frailty. Steven Levingston, Vanity Fair, 23 Feb. 2026 Beethoven’s music improves Goethe, extracting its humanity and frailty, and Dudamel’s performance probed its profound inevitability of good triumphing over evil. Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026 Jackson’s other frailties were evident long before that diagnosis. John Blake, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for frailty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frailty
Noun
  • The president's endorsement didn't clear the GOP crowded field to replace Greene — some observers cast that as a sign of weakness — but Fuller easily overcame other Republican contenders.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Some policy defenders contend that the labor market weakness reflects adjustments to immigration restrictions rather than fundamental economic failure, positioning this as a deliberate policy choice rather than an economic failure.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Long work hours, overnight shifts, sleep disorders, and extended periods of driving can all contribute to exhaustion.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Holding the mic light in his hand, barely touching it, like a delicate flower, trying to hide the exhaustion in his voice.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • To soak up the sins of the early morning dancefloor, kudos must be paid to the 24-hour room service.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Mar. 2026
  • The country had yet to hold the first Marcos to account for plunder and human-rights abuses, and this election seemed an exoneration of both his and Rodrigo Duterte’s sins.
    Sheila Coronel, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Signs of disease include warts on legs, crusty or swollen eyes, feebleness, a ruffled appearance, difficulty breathing, nasal discharge, and diarrhea.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026
  • When hair endures damage from styling treatments, color, or heat, the hair’s keratin composition can be compromised, leading to feebleness and a greater risk of breakage.
    Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 26 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Xcel Energy Colorado's Andrew Holder, director of community relations and local government affairs, explained that devices known as re-closers trip when there are power line faults.
    Alan Gionet, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Traditional mechanical breakers take milliseconds to interrupt a fault, a brief but dangerous window where an arc flash, or dangerous, high-temperature electrical explosion, can occur.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 11 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • But for activities that involve roughly 90 minutes of continuous effort, according to Fray, rapid carbohydrate and electrolyte delivery can help delay fatigue.
    Marisa McMillan, Outside, 14 Mar. 2026
  • The wheels fell off in the game’s final minutes, with the Bulls’ lead ballooning to as many as 25 points and capitalizing on Charlotte’s fatigue.
    Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 14 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Tua’s shortcomings Tagovailoa never possessed the frame, the arm, or the athleticism.
    Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Perhaps Edwards is right that the exit had more to do with Liverpool’s strengths than with Wolves’ shortcomings.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Frailty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frailty. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

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