debilitating

adjective

: causing serious impairment of strength or ability to function
debilitating pain
a debilitating fear of public speaking
a debilitating illness
Thirty years have passed since a vaccine wiped out polio, but some of those who conquered the debilitating disease as children are now experiencing symptoms that seem all too familiar. Fay Knicely
Several of these drugs are now in clinical testing to determine whether they can reduce or eliminate the debilitating nausea suffered by cancer patients on chemotherapy. Ron Cowen
debilitatingly adverb
Debilitatingly asthmatic as a child, Scarfe developed his talent while amusing himself and acquired the cynicism for authority that empowers his … drawings and sculpture during many frightening encounters with medical incompetence. Ray Olson

Did you know?

The verb debilitate (and its adjective form debilitating) comes from the Latin word for "weak," debilis. Often used of disease—as in, "the patient was debilitated"—it can also suggest something that strikes like a disease or illness, "the actor was debilitated by stage fright." In sum, the word suggests a temporary impairment or a condition of weakness and helplessness.

Examples of debilitating in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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What has to continue during the homestand that continues Saturday night against the Chicago Bulls, Adebayo said, is an ongoing reduction in the types of mistakes that have been so debilitating in recent losses. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2025 Riz Ahmed co-wrote and stars in the lauded drama, which tells the story of Zed, a British-Pakistani rapper on the verge of his big break when he is suddenly struck by a debilitating autoimmune disease. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2025 The findings add to the growing body of evidence aimed at safeguarding future space travelers from the potentially debilitating effects of prolonged spaceflight. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 19 Feb. 2025 Rich’s character Maverick is a local tattoo artist who, following a debilitating stroke, only has complete use of one hand. Andy Swift, TVLine, 24 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for debilitating

Word History

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of debilitating was in 1641

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Cite this Entry

“Debilitating.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/debilitating. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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