Definition

Noun: 1. The state of being physically weak, frail, or in poor health, often due to age or illness: A condition of lacking strength, vitality, or robustness. 2. A moral or mental weakness; a failing or defect in character: A lack of firmness, stability, or resolution.

Usage and Examples

• Referring to physical weakness:
  • The old man's infirmity made it difficult for him to walk without assistance.
  • After the long illness, she was left with a general sense of infirmity.
• Referring to a non-physical weakness or flaw:
  • He saw indecisiveness as a moral infirmity that could be corrected.
  • The infirmity of their argument was obvious to everyone in the debate.

Advanced Usage

• "The infirmities of age": A common phrase referring to the typical physical weaknesses associated with growing old.
  • She remained mentally sharp despite the infirmities of age.
• Used in formal or literary contexts to describe a condition of feebleness, either in body, mind, or structure.

Variants and Related Words

• Infirm (adjective): Weak or ill, especially over a long period or due to age.
  • The infirm patients required constant care.
• Infirmness (noun, less common): The quality or state of being infirm.

Synonyms

• Frailty: The condition of being weak and delicate.
• Debility: Physical weakness, especially as a result of illness.
• Feebleness: The state of lacking strength.
• Failing: A weakness, especially in character.
• Malady (often for a specific disease or ailment).

Antonyms

• Strength: The quality or state of being physically strong.
• Robustness: The condition of being strong and healthy; vigor.
• Soundness: The state of being in good condition; robustness.

Notes on Meaning

The primary and most common meaning of infirmity relates to physical weakness, particularly chronic weakness associated with advanced age or long-term sickness. Its use to describe a moral or intellectual weakness is more formal and less frequent. The word often carries a connotation of pity or the inevitable decline of the human condition.

Noun

1. the state of being weak in health or body (especially from old age)