infirmity

noun

in·fir·mi·ty in-ˈfər-mə-tē

plural infirmities

Synonyms of infirmity

: the quality or state of being infirm

: the condition of being feeble : frailty

: disease, malady

: a personal failing : foible

One of the besetting infirmities of living creatures is egotism.—A. J. Toynbee

Examples of infirmity in a Sentence

In recent years she has had to reduce her schedule because of age and infirmity. the infirmities of old age

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

As if my sudden turn to sedentariness were the result of indolence, not infirmity. — Lucinda Rosenfeld, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2025 Their income is limited, because of age or infirmity. — Dan Horn, Cincinnati Enquirer, 10 Nov. 2025 Because of his infirmities, he is housed in a medical unit of the jail, away from the general population. — Maer Roshan, HollywoodReporter, 10 Mar. 2026 Humor savors an infirmity — a foible, a failing, a venality, a flaw. — Big Think, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for infirmity

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler

The first known use of infirmity was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Browse Nearby Words

infirmation

infirmity

infirmly

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Infirmity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/infirmity. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

infirmity

noun

in·fir·mi·ty in-ˈfər-mət-ē

plural infirmities

: the quality or state of being infirm

: ailment, disease

Medical Definition

infirmity

noun

in·fir·mi·ty in-ˈfər-mət-ē

plural infirmities

: the quality or state of being infirm

especially : an unsound, unhealthy, or debilitated state

infirmity

noun

Synonyms of infirmity

Examples of infirmity in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

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