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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 And though party and administration officials insisted Biden was capable of manning the Oval Office for another four years, some were well aware of his frailties ahead of his withdrawal, and his team took extensive steps to cover up signs of aging. Julia Mueller, The Hill, 31 Mar. 2025 Francis’ predecessor, Benedict XVI, stepped down at 85, citing his age and frailty — and then lived another decade. Jason Horowitz, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025 However, in cases where frailty and falls are frequent, no single home modification can ensure their safety. Carolyn Rosenblatt, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025 His work is not a treatise on structural inevitability but an exploration of how human frailty, political misjudgment and moral decay can combine to unleash catastrophe. Andrew Latham, The Conversation, 15 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for frailty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frailty
Noun
  • With a newfound sense of self, Murderbot is forced to hide its disgust for human weakness and emotion.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 16 May 2025
  • Proton Mail encourages you to save a recovery key in the form of a lengthy code and a QR code, but that recovery key itself now becomes a weakness.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • The cost of this mental churning extends beyond personal exhaustion.
    Melody Wilding, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
  • In addition to exhaustion and dehydration, mountaineers can also find themselves at risk of avalanches, hypothermia and falling.
    Amy Woodyatt, CNN Money, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • If Sam is wrong, his journalistic sin is unpardonable.
    Neal B. Freeman, National Review, 13 May 2025
  • Harrison’s sin is not trading Doncic, but demanding so little in return from the Lakers.
    Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • The self-healing capability would enable the grid quickly to isolate and repair faults, reduce the time needed to restore power after outages, and prevent blackouts—reducing the impacts of energy disruptions.
    Deborah Wince-Smith, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • Rand argues that the studios are at fault, and that giving them more taxpayer money is not the answer.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • Mind fatigue can lead to shortcuts such as not thoroughly proofing an important email or opting out of decision-making with your team.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
  • But JPMorgan believes signs of fatigue among retail investors means further gains may be hard to come by.
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • Like at Philippe’s, the sandwich ($23) requires a few dips in the cup of jus to hide a multitude of shortcomings.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025
  • But the shortcomings of the air traffic control system have been known for decades.
    Josh Funk, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Frailty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frailty. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on frailty

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