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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Such declines can impact muscle strength, bone density, and libido, potentially causing fatigue and weakness.

— Nina Shapiro, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
At a meeting earlier this month, the RMG Sustainability Council warned that structural weaknesses could put lives and property at risk if the building remained open.

— Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 17 July 2026

Definition of weakness

Noun

Competing demands — for example, from illness, injury, or chronic stress — can appear not only as poor health, but also as negative conscious experiences such as anxiety, brain fog, and exhaustion.

— Rachel Nuwer, Quanta Magazine, 17 July 2026
Barrett said the goal is for the justices to have as large a security detail as those dedicated to Cabinet members, in part to avoid burnout and exhaustion among the four to eight officers typically assigned to each justice.

— Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 14 July 2026

Definition of exhaustion

Noun

The big mic drop at the conclusion of the finale turns out that Paula is a stone-cold (if possibly accidental) killer after all, and that the shadowy Souter Group is going to make her pay for her sins.

— Erin Qualey, Vulture, 15 July 2026
Mary’s valley of sin was exalted and Simon’s mountain of pride was made low through the love of God.

— Eric Bashor, Christian Science Monitor, 13 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

But at least Janet, for all of her faults, is working toward a resolution.

— Brian Moylan, Vulture, 16 July 2026
What else is going on Back-to-back earthquakes rocked the area north of Los Angeles near two of California’s most significant faults, sending shock waves across the region.

— Deputy Managing Editor, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026

Definition of fault

Noun

If testosterone levels are too low, at any age, this can lead to muscle and bone weakness, fatigue, and decline in libido.

— Nina Shapiro, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
Warning signs worth flagging to a doctor include loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, severe daytime fatigue, persistent low mood, rapid heart rate and unexplained weight changes.

— Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 July 2026

Definition of fatigue

Noun

Most importantly, the renovation solved the hotel’s practical shortcomings without stripping away the qualities that made longtime guests love it in the first place.

— Jill Robbins, Southern Living, 11 July 2026
But Nguyen isn’t shy about the shortcomings of his first classic car, an iconic 1970 Ford Bronco.

— Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of shortcoming

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frame

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“Frailty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frailty. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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