infirmity

noun

in·​fir·​mi·​ty in-ˈfər-mə-tē How to pronounce infirmity (audio)
plural infirmities
1
a
: the quality or state of being infirm
b
: the condition of being feeble : frailty
2
3
: a personal failing : foible
one of the besetting infirmities of living creatures is egotismA. 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.
But the infirmities plaguing India’s political opposition are legion. Milan Vaishnav, Foreign Affairs, 18 Mar. 2021 The grandmother’s creeping infirmity does little to curb her excursions with Sophia. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Oct. 2024 The scenario that would entail the greatest likelihood of radical change is a succession struggle that would occur if Xi were to pass away or resign owing to infirmity. Minxin Pei, Foreign Affairs, 3 Apr. 2020 Months later, and two days before the law was to take effect, Attorney General Mike Hilgers described those infirmities in an advisory opinion. Henry Gass, The Christian Science Monitor, 23 Sep. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near infirmity

Cite this Entry

“Infirmity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/infirmity. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

infirmity

noun
in·​fir·​mi·​ty in-ˈfər-mət-ē How to pronounce infirmity (audio)
plural infirmities
1
: the quality or state of being infirm
2

Medical Definition

infirmity

noun
in·​fir·​mi·​ty in-ˈfər-mət-ē How to pronounce infirmity (audio)
plural infirmities
: the quality or state of being infirm
especially : an unsound, unhealthy, or debilitated state

More from Merriam-Webster on infirmity

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