debilitation

noun

Definition of debilitationnext
1
as in deterioration
a gradual sinking and wasting away of mind or body the debilitation that all the prisoners of war had experienced during their captivity

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in weakness
the quality or state of lacking physical strength or vigor attributed the patient's general debilitation to an iron deficiency

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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 debilitation The cases were said to be in people with significant underlying health conditions, including organ and immune system dysfunction, as well as debilitation. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 9 June 2026 Nobody wants to watch a loved one endure the pain, debilitation, and loss of independence that can follow a serious fall. — Brian Frost, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Apr. 2026 In New Jersey, lawmakers are considering a bill to amend a state law that allows parents to nominate standby, or temporary, guardians in the cases of death, incapacity, or debilitation. — CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2026 In New Jersey, lawmakers are considering a bill to amend a state law that allows parents to nominate standby, or temporary, guardians in the cases of death, incapacity, or debilitation. — Kff Health News, Oc Register, 14 Apr. 2026 Those citing such ominous scenarios envisioned other possible dangers, including the debilitation of America’s security guarantees to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf oil exporters. — Paul Blustein, Fortune, 30 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debilitation
  1. deterioration
  2. weakness
  3. weakening
  4. exhaustion
  5. debility
  6. fatigue
Noun
  • But nothing competes with the painful deterioration of her sight after contracting scarlet fever.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 3 July 2026
  • In addition, city officials can now require owners to install security measures to help protect vacant buildings from further deterioration or trespassing.
    — Brian Maass, CBS News, 2 July 2026
Definition of deterioration
Noun
  • Furthermore, companies tend to have an easier time outperforming consensus sales growth estimates during periods of US dollar weakness.
    — Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • This helps nourish and protect hair from external aggressors like UV damage and pollution, which can cause weakness and buildup.
    — Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 5 July 2026
Definition of weakness
Noun
  • Numbers released by the company behind Gatorade and Doritos showed weakening trends in its North American food and drinks businesses.
    — Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • Spongy or uneven surfaces are caused by structural weakening from internal damage.
    — Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 July 2026
Definition of weakening
Noun
  • According to Ferreiro, structured breaks can improve cognitive performance and help reduce the risk of emotional exhaustion.
    — Ana Morales, Vogue, 11 July 2026
  • Anger, isolation, and exhaustion are endemic to each tennis era, as much a part of the game as the fuzz on the balls.
    — Josh Levin, The Atlantic, 9 July 2026
Definition of exhaustion
Noun
  • And, when pets suffered from cancer or heart failure or debility, conversations about what to do next were emotional but often straightforward.
    — Sunita Puri, New Yorker, 6 June 2026
  • His trajectory is one of softening, from the swaggering knight of the opening to the irrepressible lover of the second act to his final physical debility.
    — Justin Davidson, Vulture, 11 Mar. 2026
Definition of debility
Noun
  • Hydration and fatigue will be factors both teams have to deal with.
    — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 11 July 2026
  • Guard members, clearly distinguished by their military fatigues, have been seen throughout downtown Memphis on patrols and directing traffic during events.
    — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 10 July 2026
Definition of fatigue

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debilitating
debilitation
debility
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Cite this Entry

“Debilitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debilitation. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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