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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 More than 300 such studies are investigating health outcomes related to stroke, cancer, diabetes, eye diseases, mental health, physical frailty and more. Jean Wactawski-Wende, The Conversation, 2 May 2025 But prosecutors insist that criminal experience, not frailty, defined the gang. Thomas Adamson, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025 Red flags abound, which reveal the frailty in digital channels and how potentially desperate parties may seek to take advantage of that. Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025 But even people who knew Biden well were shocked at his frailty and cognitive decline. S.e. Cupp, New York Daily News, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for frailty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frailty
Noun
  • Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses in my responses and give me tips for responding with a problem-solving, curious mindset next time.
    Rachel Wells, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • The currency pair is expected to swing both ways as the Taiwan dollar gets caught between speculation of central bank intervention and weakness in the greenback, Lim added.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • While other editors navigated the daily grind in a visible state of exhaustion, Wintour, with her signature bob, dark sunglasses, and famously enigmatic composure, cultivated an air of mystery and authority that few could emulate.
    Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Now, there are signs of upside exhaustion to suggest that MSFT may soon relinquish its leadership stronghold.
    Katie Stockton, CNBC, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • The Lorde’s Virgin birth came on June 27, and it was born with sin.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 27 June 2025
  • As a result, anyone who sought treatment for a physical illness at St. Leonard’s Hospital first had to confess their sins and have their soul cleansed.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • But these apocalyptic conditions aren’t the fault of a nearby black hole.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 2 July 2025
  • Waymo vehicles have not been found at fault for a major collision resulting in injury or death and are now deployed in major cities including Austin, San Francisco and Los Angeles.
    Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Noun
  • Listeriosis symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, nausea, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea for those with a mild illness.
    Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 3 July 2025
  • Hours of service limits are meant to reduce driver fatigue.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 July 2025
Noun
  • That should pay dividends as the team looks to address some of the shortcomings that plagued them in 2024.
    C. Isaiah Smalls II, Miami Herald, 26 June 2025
  • Walters’s achievements and shortcomings are given equal airtime in the new documentary Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything, which premiered at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival and lands on Hulu today.
    Alex Jhamb Burns, Vogue, 23 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Frailty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frailty. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on frailty

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