enfeeblement

noun

Definition of enfeeblementnext
1
as in deterioration
a gradual sinking and wasting away of mind or body daily exercise can help to halt some of the enfeeblement that comes with advanced years

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in weakness
the quality or state of lacking physical strength or vigor a lot of the enfeeblement I've experienced since the accident is being gradually diminished by daily physical therapy

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 enfeeblement Kennedy’s enfeeblement of government public health governance by his cashiering of expert advisors and his promotion of anti-vaccine claptrap will end once a professional is installed at Health and Human Services. — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enfeeblement
  1. deterioration
  2. weakness
  3. weakening
  4. exhaustion
  5. fatigue
  6. feebleness
  7. debility
Noun
  • By those measures, PJP continues to stand out, particularly as other areas of the market experience technical deterioration.
    — Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026
  • This deterioration releases toxic substances from muscle fibers into the blood and kidneys, which can cause kidney damage.
    — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of deterioration
Noun
  • Many fear that Lebanon is bargaining from a position of extreme weakness and that such imbalance will yield only a weaker state, stripped of sovereign decision-making.
    — Tamirace Fakhoury, The Conversation, 13 Nov. 2026
  • Capitulating to Xi and Putin would alienate Washington’s allies, project American weakness, and erode global deterrence.
    — Charles Kupchan, Foreign Affairs, 13 Nov. 2026
Definition of weakness
Noun
  • The latest weakening of criteria is baffling if not unsurprising given the agency’s pitifully weak, unserious leadership.
    — Diana Urban, Hartford Courant, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The hurricane center said the storm's intensity could fluctuate over the next few days but would likely maintain hurricane strength through Thursday, with gradual weakening forecast thereafter.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of weakening
Noun
  • This is a war film in style and substance, emphasizing the mental exhaustion of a country that cannot handle any more carnage.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Grief brings a lot of physical exhaustion with mental exhaustion.
    — Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of exhaustion
Noun
  • This clinical-grade system targets multiple layers of skin at once to revive dullness, fatigue and soften deep lines.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Nov. 2026
  • My symptoms aren't on the bowel cancer poster, other than weight loss and fatigue, but many women are tired anyway.
    — Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Nov. 2026
Definition of fatigue
Noun
  • As Kasubhai observed, despite its legal feebleness, Kennedy’s declaration and its explicit threat has had a concrete impact on the provision of gender-affirming services to American youths.
    — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
  • 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
Definition of feebleness
Noun
  • In recent years, white supremacists have embraced the concept of lactose intolerance as a distinguishing debility of nonwhite people.
    — Hilary Smith, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of debility

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enfeebled
enfeeblement
enfeebles
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Cite this Entry

“Enfeeblement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enfeeblement. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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