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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 Low levels are linked to frailty, weaker bones, belly fat, insulin resistance and higher cardiovascular risk – all hallmarks of aging. New Atlas, 8 Sep. 2025 Only those with mental frailty would land there. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025 Thomas Samson | Afp | Getty Images Heading into another vote of confidence next week, France now unexpectedly finds itself unfavorably compared to Italy, a country previously renowned for political upheaval and economic frailty. Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025 Muscle loss increases the risk of sarcopenia, frailty, and reduced quality of life, especially among older adults. Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for frailty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frailty
Noun
  • This relationship between a military’s combat troop and support personnel is a glaring weakness of the proposal.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Adductor dysfunction — whether from weakness or tightness — can create problems that extend far beyond your inner thighs.
    Dana Santas, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Additionally, multitasking contributes to mental fatigue and negatively impacts overall well-being, with some participants reporting feelings of exhaustion after.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025
  • An intimate portrait of love and exhaustion that finds the comic edge in ordinary chaos.
    Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Their sins will be washed away by the waters of liberty.
    City News Service, Oc Register, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Maybe she’s being punished for her sin?
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Only one drive on Monday even crossed into Denver territory, even if that wasn’t all his fault.
    Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
  • None were definitively the fault of Waymo’s actual self-driving technology.
    Saahil Desai, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Most people suffer muscle aches, headaches, balance problems, fatigue and high fevers.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Other symptoms include abdominal pain, changes to bathroom habits, bloated stomach, unexplained weight loss, vomiting and fatigue and feeling short of breath, per the Cleveland Clinic.
    Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Baltimore’s special teams have been fine except for shoddy kick coverage and execution, but the unit certainly hasn’t been strong enough to make up for any of the team’s other shortcomings or been the difference in them winning a close game.
    Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • In a 2019 post celebrating his third wedding anniversary with Miles, Minoso poked fun at his character’s romantic shortcomings.
    Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Frailty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frailty. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on frailty

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