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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 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
  • Apoorvanand says that stance reflects a broader deterioration of democratic norms over the past decade.
    — Aakash Hassan, Christian Science Monitor, 30 July 2026
  • The character's physical and spiritual deterioration is part of what drew Nam in.
    — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of deterioration
Noun
  • Still, analysts warned that the coordinated action may prove no more durable than previous interventions unless Japan addresses the structural forces driving yen weakness.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The core challenge is agents' ability to exploit existing weaknesses at scale, necessitating improved governance and careful permission management.
    — Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of weakness
Noun
  • After a dismal two years of weakening demand, falling sales, and damage to its brand by Elon Musk’s political activities, Tesla’s road to recovery continues apace.
    — Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 22 July 2026
  • Gradual weakening is expected over the next several days, forecasters said.
    — Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 22 July 2026
Definition of weakening
Noun
  • In fact, the solar eclipse in Leo could shed light on everything from exhaustion and unconscious patterns to hidden resentments.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Ethernet inventor Bob Metcalfe, a Turing prize winner, reflected on building early networks and the challenge of digital exhaustion.
    — John Werner, Forbes.com, 29 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
  • But markets are showing signs of fatigue, after absorbing this flood of debt in such a short time, S&P warned, pointing out that hyperscalers are now paying a higher premium compared with yields on risk-free bonds.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 31 July 2026
  • The economic difficulties, energy blackouts, Internet restrictions, and general wartime fatigue have pushed Putin’s approval ratings from around 80 percent at the beginning of the year to 66 percent in mid-July.
    — Alexander Gabuev, Foreign Affairs, 31 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 5 Aug. 2026.

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