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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
  • However, the effects on hiring may be blunted by persistent weakness in the labor market.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
  • JPMorgan adds SharkNinja to the focus list JPM said investors should buy the weakness in the consumer products company.
    Michael Bloom, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Tatar says these small but impactful changes compound over time, helping both workers and executives avoid the exhaustion and inefficiency that can come with new office mandates.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Not one time mentioning his exhaustion or lack of sleep going into a show day.
    Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The brothers grew up in a household ruled by their mother’s preachings about the sins of lust and carnal desire, per the outlet, which also reports that their father was an alcoholic.
    Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025
  • This also ensures the bacon drippings don’t go to waste, which is a serious Southern sin.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The bank admitted fault in only 13 out of the 101 cases tracked by the organization, with the remaining 88 cases settled without admission of guilt.
    Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025
  • The most commonly believed false narrative was that the reliance on renewables was at fault.
    Julia Simon, NPR, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • There was some fatigue in our performance, but the group are always so professional and so hungry to win.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Prolonged exposure to a heat index above 80 degrees can lead to fatigue, as previously reported by USA TODAY.
    Brandi D. Addison, jsonline.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The difference is that IMAX 70mm prints are created as optical blow-ups from the VistaVision negative — a difference that intellectually sounds like a shortcoming, but which had a positive effect on the movie’s overall emotional impact.
    Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Now, Clippy’s former shortcomings are the exact reason for its resurgence.
    Alix Martichoux, The Hill, 5 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Frailty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frailty. Accessed 13 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on frailty

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