1
as in weakness
a defect in character
selfishness is a common human frailty
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 thriller about ambition, rivalry and human frailty, set in the ballet world, evoked visceral reactions — from adrenaline highs to pull-pinions-from-your-flesh shudders.
—
Celia Wren, Washington Post, 4 June 2026
The database also did not include some details that would help explain the findings, including X-rays, arthritis severity, pain scores, functional status, inflammatory markers, physical activity, frailty, or weight changes over time.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 3 June 2026
One-year mortality after hip fracture in older adults is approximately 22%, and climbs substantially when dementia or frailty is already present.
—Adaira Landry, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Mundo and Diana’s world is more stark, its colors stripped away to show the toll of life’s frailties on the couple.
—Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 25 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for frailty
Celia Wren, Washington Post, 4 June 2026
The database also did not include some details that would help explain the findings, including X-rays, arthritis severity, pain scores, functional status, inflammatory markers, physical activity, frailty, or weight changes over time.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 3 June 2026
One-year mortality after hip fracture in older adults is approximately 22%, and climbs substantially when dementia or frailty is already present.
—Adaira Landry, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Mundo and Diana’s world is more stark, its colors stripped away to show the toll of life’s frailties on the couple.
—Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 25 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for frailty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frailty
Noun
-
About 50% to 75% of people with NF2 will also develop benign tumors on the brain or along the spine, which can cause symptoms like pain, numbness and weakness.—
Vanessa Etienne,
PEOPLE,
9 June 2026
-
Set during World War II, the drama examines the mechanisms of collaboration under the Vichy regime through the lens of a man whose ambition and moral weakness lead him to become complicit in the persecution and deportation of Jews.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
How are you supposed to do all that while fighting your own possible anger, fear, exhaustion, and more?—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
6 June 2026
-
Suffering from exhaustion and severe frostbite on his hands, Dawa was flown by rescue helicopter to HAMS Hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal, where he was reunited with his family.—
Bill Hutchinson,
ABC News,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
The cult wants to live off the land and not rely on any technology in the apocalypse, and believes the Cordyceps brain infection was a punishment from God for the world’s sins.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
-
This lifelong Black Catholic bears no illusions about the sins of my church.—
Laura Washington,
Mercury News,
9 June 2026
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
Noun
-
But while not as well known as some of its fault-busting brethren, the July 8, 1986, temblor kicked off a series of quakes that rattled Southern California for the better part of a decade.—
Shelby Grad,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
-
The helicopter crashed Wednesday in Muzaffarabad, the regional capital, apparently because of a technical fault, according to Pakistan’s military.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
The ingredient lineup champions prickly pear cactus extract, which draws moisture into the skin and provides a rich source of vitamin K to support elasticity, while Persian silk tree extract targets signs of fatigue.—
Jailynn Taylor,
Allure,
13 June 2026
-
Women in their 30s and 40s experiencing persistent fatigue, mood changes, sleep disruption, irritability, anxiety or digestive issues may want to ask specifically whether perimenopause could be the underlying cause before accepting a diagnosis of anxiety, depression or a thyroid condition.—
Allison Palmer
Updated June 13,
Charlotte Observer,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
In all these books, animals serve as mirrors, reflecting our personal and societal shortcomings and shame, our hubris, anxiety, and moral failings.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 June 2026
-
The North Korean players’ physical aptitude was clear, but coaches were aware of their technical and tactical shortcomings.—
Andrew McNicol,
CNN Money,
7 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Frailty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frailty. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
