Definition of frailtynext
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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 But the film belongs to Farmer, Jacobs’ own grandmother, who gives Hettie an unfussy sturdiness of mien and spirit to counter the growing, sighing frailty of her person, and a steady, narrow stare that occasionally seems to see through time. Guy Lodge, Variety, 7 Feb. 2026 Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, a day that reminds us of human frailty and the call to reflection. Nadia Cantú, AZCentral.com, 3 Feb. 2026 Income, location, frailty, and more could bias certain patients towards a morning or afternoon time, skewing the results of retrospective studies. Angus Chen, STAT, 2 Feb. 2026 What the memoir mainly does is reassure you that Gavin Newsom is a person with frailties and failings. Maya Singer, Vogue, 1 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for frailty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frailty
Noun
  • But some analysts say Iran's unprecedented weakness at home could diminish the flexibility of its country's leadership to make the kinds of compromises necessary for a deal.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Feb. 2026
  • But ask anyone who knows him about Kuechly’s weaknesses, and the first thing that might come up is his deflection of praise.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Combining heavy amounts of alcohol on top of exhaustion and a lack of food, Sullivan blacked out.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 16 Feb. 2026
  • In Worcester, which lay more than 40 miles from the Charlestown line, a parched and dusty rider arrived at the square in front of the church, where his horse collapsed in exhaustion.
    Kostya Kennedy, Time, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • But does exchanging flirty messages with Ghislaine Maxwell while he was married three years before Jeffrey Epstein was first publicly accused of wrongdoing in 2006 really constitute a career-ending sin?
    James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Easter is the Christian celebration of Jesus Christ's victory over sin and death through his resurrection.
    Chris Sims, IndyStar, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • When hair endures damage from styling treatments, color, or heat, the hair’s keratin composition can be compromised, leading to feebleness and a greater risk of breakage.
    Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • When a vehicle loses power, however, electronic doors go from an inconvenience to a potentially lethal design fault.
    Adam Ismail, The Drive, 5 Feb. 2026
  • When the tectonic plates began to pull apart millions of years later, those ancient faults at their edges reawakened, reincarnated as transform faults.
    Evan Howell, Scientific American, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Some of those benefits are reduction in swelling and inflammation, pain relief, lowering of stress levels and fatigue.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Valvular heart disease, in which one more of the heart's valves don't function properly, can make the heart work harder and, over time, lead to conditions like chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Jagged shards of memory shown in flashbacks suggest Laura’s fear and vulnerability as a young girl (played by the filmmakers’ daughter Eliz Mundruczó), alongside indications of narcissistic, at times violent Ivan’s shortcomings as a parent.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Its only real shortcoming is that not all the actors are at McShane’s level, and as Catherine, Angela Scoular unfortunately lacks the range to keep up with her Heathcliff.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Frailty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frailty. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.

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