DEBILITATING Synonyms: 153 Similar and Opposite Words

debilitating 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of debilitating

as in demoralizing

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Dissimilar Words

debilitating

2 of 2

verb

present participle of debilitate

as in weakening

to diminish the physical strength of the heart surgery debilitated the college athlete beyond his worst fears

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 debilitating

Adjective

In today's economy, overspending, poor management and an investment that doesn't work out can be financially debilitating. — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026 But any movement that engages her core muscles — bending, turning, stretching — is painful and debilitating. — Daniela Suarez, NBC news, 31 July 2026

Verb

Mass unemployment and the collapse of household incomes mean that any extra expense can become a debilitating burden. — Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2026 And her doctors still don’t know what is causing her debilitating symptoms. — Dylan Scott, Vox, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for debilitating

Recent Examples of Synonyms for debilitating

Adjective

The meta-musicals have their delights but can be no less demoralizing.

— Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026
That can sound empowering or demoralizing, depending on your perception of AI and ability to master it.

— Diane Brady, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of demoralizing

Verb

Electing more allies could give either camp an edge in shaping AI policy in the next Congress, even as the feud risks weakening Silicon Valley's clout.

— Luke Fountain, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026
Today, despite low unemployment and easing inflation, frustration over everyday expenses is weighing on voter’s perception of the economy — and weakening Lula’s support.

— Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of weakening

Adjective

This is a good time to organize the list, clarify expectations, or make a routine feel less draining.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2026
Speaking of the part of van life spent behind the wheel, Volkswagen has slightly reworked the Grand California's driver-assistance suite to make driving a little less draining.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 July 2026

Definition of draining

Verb

This shot nails the mural’s vibrant colors and crisp wood-grain details, but upon close inspection, there's some noise and softening on the edges.

— Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 30 Oct. 2026
Medik8 Advanced Night Ceramide is a rich overnight cream that helps replenish dry skin while softening the look of crepiness, fine lines, and rough texture.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Glamour, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of softening

Adjective

Most other feeders can send dozens, if not hundreds, of clips to your phone each day, which can be more fatiguing than relaxing to go through.

— Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 27 Sep. 2026
But the most mentally fatiguing aspect, the work found, was having to constantly supervise the AI tools, with some employees overseeing multiple AI agents performing different tasks at the same time.

— Frank Landymore, Futurism, 12 Mar. 2026

Definition of fatiguing

Verb

So, get ready for mountain vistas and exhausting cycling days to take your breath away and questions about your life choices to swirl around in your head!

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2026
On the third bike was Jenny Brookes, Zero's senior global brand manager, who rode a standard DSR/X adventure bike for approximately 239 miles (384 km) before exhausting its battery.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of exhausting

Adjective

The charges were filed less than two weeks before the midterm election, breaking with longstanding DOJ guidance discouraging actions that could affect upcoming political races.

— Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
Conventional wisdom suggests such discouraging numbers would depress turnout.

— Christopher Miller, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of discouraging

Verb

It is often said that voting for an independent is wasting your vote.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
For a time the sea stars did double duty controlling the urchins, but in recent years they have been struck down by an uncontrollable plague, worsened by the state’s warming waters, called, quite literally, sea star wasting disease.

— Joseph Ogilvy, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of wasting

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“Debilitating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debilitating. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of debilitating

adjective

verb

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