infirmity

noun

in-ˈfər-mə-tē How to pronounce infirmity (audio)
Definition of infirmitynext
1
as in disease
an abnormal state that disrupts a plant's or animal's normal bodily functioning an 18th-century quack who specialized in those mysterious infirmities that are known only to the idle rich

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in weakness
the quality or state of lacking physical strength or vigor a period of infirmity left the athlete completely out of shape

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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 infirmity Jesus’ understanding of spiritual reality – the reality of each of us, as created and maintained by God – led to the woman’s immediate freedom from infirmity. — Alistair Budd, Christian Science Monitor, 21 Jan. 2026 Their income is limited, because of age or infirmity. — Dan Horn, Cincinnati Enquirer, 10 Nov. 2025 As if my sudden turn to sedentariness were the result of indolence, not infirmity. — Lucinda Rosenfeld, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2025 Humor savors an infirmity — a foible, a failing, a venality, a flaw. — Big Think, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for infirmity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infirmity
  1. disease
  2. weakness
  3. illness
  4. exhaustion
  5. ailment
  6. feebleness
  7. ill
  8. debility
Noun
  • New findings by a team of researchers from the US and Australia have complicated an ongoing debate over whether a total joint arthroplasty may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
    — Mike McRae August 31, New Atlas, 1 Sep. 2026
  • As the disease progresses, people can develop a stiff neck, seizures and coma.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of disease
Noun
  • Researchers point out that this ability could make maritime simulations more realistic while helping identify weaknesses in operational plans.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Summary Several investor rights firms are threatening class actions against into Suja Life after its stock plummeted following disappointing Q2 earnings and reduced guidance, attributed to grocery channel weakness.
    — Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of weakness
Noun
  • The initiative aims to bring positivity and hope to children battling critical illnesses.
    — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Violations marked as priority contribute directly to the elimination, prevention or reduction in the hazards associated with foodborne illness.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of illness
Noun
  • Since last week, attacks have come day and night, compounding the terror of overnight strikes with the exhaustion of constant daytime disruption.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Willcox, who traveled with them, said the exhaustion was real, but that competing across disciplines had, paradoxically, helped.
    — Andrew Rice, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of exhaustion
Noun
  • One year after the fire, Christine Moore died unexpectedly with a heart ailment.
    — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Dawn had had a lifelong interest in homeopathy and spent hours obsessively detailing her children’s ailments.
    — Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of ailment
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
  • All the police will find is a crowd sitting in silent vigil and a bottle of olive oil for anointing the ill.
    — Audrey Dutton, ProPublica, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Alex Pantling/Getty Images What is clear is that no one thinks the changes enacted in either the Championship or League One are a resolution to the EFL’s marked financial ills.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of ill
Noun
  • In recent years, white supremacists have embraced the concept of lactose intolerance as a distinguishing debility of nonwhite people.
    — Hilary Smith, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026
  • And, when pets suffered from cancer or heart failure or debility, conversations about what to do next were emotional but often straightforward.
    — Sunita Puri, New Yorker, 6 June 2026
Definition of debility

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infirmities
infirmity
infix
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Cite this Entry

“Infirmity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infirmity. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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