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

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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

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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 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 The thing that Gena is so brilliant at is exploiting the human voice, and the frailties of the voice and the strengths and the vulnerabilities. — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for frailty

Recent Examples of Synonyms for frailty

Noun

On iPhone, Apple says the Passwords app automatically identifies common weaknesses, including passwords that are easy to guess or used multiple times.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Slowik, who was part of Miami’s offensive staff last season while working for McDaniel, is aware of what Wright and Gordon bring to the team, their strengths and weaknesses, and intends to cater the offense to those.

— Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of weakness

Noun

It is better understood as a symptom of political exhaustion and vulnerability following years of division, economic hardship, and war.

— Michael Robbins, Foreign Affairs, 2 Oct. 2026
The Touring’s heated and ventilated leather seats and lumbar support helped keep exhaustion at bay.

— Robert Duffer, AJC.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of exhaustion

Noun

While some newly prominent groups (such as those who later became known as Quakers) emphasized love, fellowship and justice, some members of other sects (like the Presbyterians) created new fears, new sins, new tests and new punishments.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
While Ferns prop Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu was in the sin-bin for head contact that forced off Marlie Packer, England bulldozed New Zealand's seven-women scrum for Breach to score her 58th try.

— ABC News, ABC News, 26 Sep. 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 coach’s administrative leave The placement of Powers on administrative leave removes him from his coaching duties and effectively separates him from the university without a finding of fault—yet.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 30 Sep. 2026
The Bulqizë reservoir in Albania formed along a massive fault zone.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of fault

Noun

The Jets, seeking to address their defensive shortcomings, signed safety Minkah Fitzpatrick in the offseason.

— Andrew Greif, NBC news, 3 Oct. 2026
Others, including Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, who recently launched a crackdown on Venezuelan migrants in his country, will be tempted to stoke xenophobia to deflect blame for policy shortcomings.

— DAN RESTREPO, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of shortcoming

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frailties

frailty

frame

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“Frailty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frailty. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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