FRAILTY Synonyms: 123 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

frailty

noun

ˈfrāl-tē

Definition of frailty

as in weakness

a defect in character selfishness is a common human frailty

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in exhaustion

the quality or state of lacking physical strength or vigor frailty doesn't affect all elderly people, for many are indeed healthy and strong

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in softness

the quality or state of lacking strength of will or character the frailty shown by the apostle Peter when he denied Jesus three times

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Plus, most participants had a BMI in the healthy range, so the findings may not apply to older adults with frailty or other chronic illnesses, Anderson noted. — Stephanie Anderson Witmer, HEALTH, 13 Sep. 2026 But one to keep an eye on — because it’s linked to serious complications such as frailty, falls and fractures — is sarcopenia. — Sarah Klein, Washington Post, 5 Sep. 2026 Most of the 1-hour, 10-minute conversation was an amiable chat about faith, Vance’s own spiritual journey, his Easter meeting with Pope Francis the day before the pontiff’s death last year, and human frailty and fallibility. — Nicholas Riccardi, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026 Bellow felt an affinity with Kennedy’s combination of low-life high jinks, human frailty, and virtuoso style. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for frailty

Recent Examples of Synonyms for frailty

Noun

But hir phone and insurance expose the weakness in frictionless talk about choice.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2026
Drug and other criminal enterprises have taken advantage of the government’s weaknesses.

— Robert B. Zoellick, Foreign Affairs, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of weakness

Noun

That’s likely to inspire either affection or immediate exhaustion, depending on your fondness for the infamously disgusting performance group.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 8 Oct. 2026
This summer, news reports revealed that multiple sailors had attempted to jump overboard amid shortages of fresh food, disruptions to hot water and laundry services and exhaustion.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of exhaustion

Noun

Now Trump’s folks are rounding up and deporting people who were jailed in their home country for the sin of defending democracy.

— Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
De Biase explained how a snake is associated with Eve and the story of sin in the Bible — but the shoe reframes the connotation of the snake.

— Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of sin

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

The president, who generally resists admitting fault, has recently made several reversals responding to ethical concerns.

— Isaac Arnsdorf, Washington Post, 7 Oct. 2026
The financial institution did not admit to the allegations, with the settlement reflecting a compromise without any admission of liability, fault, or wrongdoing.

— Chase Jordan October 6, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of fault

Noun

Tactics such as ragebait have only added to the fatigue, irritating enthusiasts already frustrated by the relentless churn of slop.

— Amy Francombe, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2026
That kind of anecdotal genre fatigue doesn’t establish an industry surplus — but the sentiment does suggest that even devoted horror fans sometimes need help pacing themselves.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of fatigue

Browse Nearby Words

frailties

frailty

frame

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“Frailty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frailty. Accessed 13 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of frailty

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