debility

noun

de·​bil·​i·​ty di-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce debility (audio)
dē-
plural debilities
Synonyms of debilitynext
: weakness, infirmity

Synonyms

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Examples of debility in a Sentence

The disease leads to debility but rarely kills. the debilities of elderly people
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.
The shadow of death and debility haunted American women throughout the nineteenth century. — Jenny Noyce, JSTOR Daily, 28 June 2024 According to this view, the outside world has been generous to Africa, providing substantial aid in recent decades, leaving no excuse for the continent’s debility. — Howard W. French, Foreign Affairs, 16 June 2015

Word History

Etymology

Middle English debilite, from Middle French debilité, from Latin debilitat-, debilitas, from debilis, from de- de- + -bilis; akin to Sanskrit bala strength

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of debility was in the 15th century

Rhymes for debility

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Browse Nearby Words

debilitative
debility
debit
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Cite this Entry

“Debility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/debility. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

debility

noun
de·​bil·​i·​ty di-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce debility (audio)
plural debilities
: a weakened state

Medical Definition

debility

noun
de·​bil·​i·​ty di-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce debility (audio)
plural debilities
: the quality or state of being weak, feeble, or infirm
especially : physical weakness

More from Merriam-Webster on debility

Nglish: Translation of debility for Spanish Speakers

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