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

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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 The cumulative effects of chronic stress, exposure to the elements, untreated medical conditions, poor nutrition and limited access to healthcare can lead to the early onset of geriatric conditions such as cognitive impairment, mobility limitations and frailty. — Panashe Matemba-Mutasa, Mercury News, 15 June 2026 As levels dropped, researchers observed signs of frailty, muscle loss, insulin resistance and liver disease in mice. — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026 Since the frailty of supply chains has been repeatedly exposed in the past decade, the AI models also factor in these conditions during the discovery process itself to ensure that the material developed is practically possible and can be scaled. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 8 June 2026 Although many Democrats—including some administration staffers—claimed that the extent of Joe’s frailty was invisible to or hidden from them, his wife had no such deniability. — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for frailty

Recent Examples of Synonyms for frailty

Noun

Furthermore, companies tend to have an easier time outperforming consensus sales growth estimates during periods of US dollar weakness.

— Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
This helps nourish and protect hair from external aggressors like UV damage and pollution, which can cause weakness and buildup.

— Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 5 July 2026

Definition of weakness

Noun

According to Ferreiro, structured breaks can improve cognitive performance and help reduce the risk of emotional exhaustion.

— Ana Morales, Vogue, 11 July 2026
Anger, isolation, and exhaustion are endemic to each tennis era, as much a part of the game as the fuzz on the balls.

— Josh Levin, The Atlantic, 9 July 2026

Definition of exhaustion

Noun

But there are plenty of sins against the rules of cinematic chastity that marked that movement, such as the ample space made for Lasse Aagaard’s affecting, low-key score that amps up the anxiety as Vibeke starts to spiral.

— Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026
Drop Shots 😱 A player in the girls’ singles was disqualified from her match after committing a cardinal Wimbledon sin.

— Ava Wallace, New York Times, 5 July 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

Youssef added that one of the biggest shortcomings in many squatter investigations is the lack of follow-up fact gathering.

— Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
Nilson Angulo’s strike was excellent and Gonzalo Plata’s winner, which will live long in the Ecuadorian memory, ensured Germany’s shortcomings were punished.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 5 July 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 13 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of frailty

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