Synonyms of infirm

infirm

adjective

in-ˈfərm 

as in weak

lacking bodily strength

the elderly and infirm have to be especially careful during the winter months

Synonyms & Similar Words

• weak
• frail
• weakened
• feeble
• disabled
• debilitated
• enfeebled
• faint
• tired
• incapacitated
• paralyzed
• injured
• exhausted
• vulnerable
• softened
• languid
• asthenic
• prostrate
• soft
• effete
• wimpy
• slight
• down-and-out
• wasted
• unsubstantial
• delicate
• low
• tender
• weary
• enervated
• fragile
• wimpish
• prostrated
• challenged
• sapped
• decrepit
• invalid
• unsteady
• powerless
• drained
• impotent
• impaired
• damaged
• lame
• dizzy
• susceptible
• hurt
• flimsy
• breakable
• groggy
• broken-down
• woozy
• rocky
• unsound
• flagging
• resistless
• worn-out
• harmed
• yielding
• unresistant

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• powerful
• strong
• mighty
• stout
• rugged
• muscular
• athletic
• virile
• stalwart
• able-bodied
• hardy
• sinewy
• fit
• sturdy
• hard
• beefy
• robust
• husky
• brawny
• tough
• lusty
• hardened
• energetic
• vigorous
• strengthened
• fortified
• healthy
• sound
• competent
• capable
• strapping
• hale
• energized
• recovering
• inured
• toughened
• red-blooded
• vitalized
• invigorated
• convalescing
• recuperating

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective infirm contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of infirm are decrepit, feeble, fragile, frail, and weak. While all these words mean "not strong enough to endure strain, pressure, or strenuous effort," infirm suggests instability, unsoundness, and insecurity due to old age or crippling illness.

infirm residents requiring constant care

When would decrepit be a good substitute for infirm?

While the synonyms decrepit and infirm are close in meaning, decrepit implies being worn-out or broken-down from long use or old age.

the dowager's decrepit retainers

In what contexts can feeble take the place of infirm?

Although the words feeble and infirm have much in common, feeble suggests extreme weakness inviting pity or contempt.

a feeble attempt to walk

When could fragile be used to replace infirm?

The synonyms fragile and infirm are sometimes interchangeable, but fragile suggests frailty and brittleness unable to resist rough usage.

a reclusive poet too fragile for the rigors of this world

When is it sensible to use frail instead of infirm?

The words frail and infirm are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, frail implies delicacy and slightness of constitution or structure.

a frail teenager unable to enjoy sports

When can weak be used instead of infirm?

The meanings of weak and infirm largely overlap; however, weak applies to deficiency or inferiority in strength or power of any sort.

felt weak after the surgery

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of infirm

Harper and Ullman said the younger women sometimes looked after elderly, infirm or penniless prisoners. —Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2025

The investigation reveals a dismal picture of a company with a sales culture that depends on squeezing infirm and elderly patients and the government for every penny. —Peter Elkind, ProPublica, 13 Nov. 2024

The final version of the report has a higher price tag than the draft The Times published last month, primarily due to the addition of the higher level of care facilities, which officials say are needed for a population that’s increasingly infirm. —Liam Dillon, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2024

Friends and neighbors – some infirm – remained in their homes as nearly 30 feet of water rushed down the French Broad River system, rising in a matter of minutes, trapping a dozen neighbors unable to scramble to higher ground. —Patrik Jonsson, The Christian Science Monitor, 11 Oct. 2024