1 infirmities | Definition of infirmities

infirmity

noun
in·​fir·​mi·​ty | \ in-ˈfÉ™r-mÉ™-tÄ“ How to pronounce infirmity (audio) \
plural infirmities

Definition of infirmity

1a : the quality or state of being infirm
b : the condition of being feeble : frailty
3 : a personal failing : foible one of the besetting infirmities of living creatures is egotism— A. J. Toynbee

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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

That the translation, despite its numerous infirmities, was indeed of Vatsyayana’s 1,600-year-old disquisition was not doubted. Manu S Pillai, Quartz India, "When a British official dodged Victorian prudery to publish the Kamasutra in English," 27 June 2019 Such resignation in the face of mental infirmity makes little sense to Hiram Carver, the physician at the heart of this book. Emily Bobrow, WSJ, "‘Dark Water’ Review: Unfathomable Depths," 28 Dec. 2018 Groups of ten and then 20 determine the scope of the problem and then start figuring out a way to pilot the craft despite its infirmity. Joe Pappalardo, Popular Mechanics, "How a Small CubeSat Became the Unlikely Hero of the InSight Landing," 29 Nov. 2018 Because of his infirmity, stewardship of the organization had been given to one of his 12 sons, Sirajuddin, whose military prowess is credited with plotting and carrying out some of more audacious attacks assigned to the network. Kathy Gannon, The Seattle Times, "Death of Afghan group’s founder unlikely to weaken militants," 4 Sep. 2018 The case has drawn the attention of Pope Francis, who during a Sunday blessing in St. Peter’s Square this month, offered prayers for Alfie and others who are suffering from serious infirmities. Kathleen Joyce, Fox News, "Alfie Evans' family loses appeal to transport terminally ill British toddler to Rome," 25 Apr. 2018 The infirmity occurred near a rib, which, according to Alderson, has slowed his return. James Wagner, New York Times, "Braves Youth Movement Looks Awfully Grown Up in Win Over Mets," 1 May 2018 The case has drawn the attention of Pope Francis, who during a Sunday blessing in St. Peter’s Square this month, offered prayers for Alfie and others who are suffering from serious infirmities. Kathleen Joyce, Fox News, "Alfie Evans' family loses appeal to transport terminally ill British toddler to Rome," 25 Apr. 2018 In rural India, glasses are seen as a sign of infirmity, and in many places, a hindrance for young women seeking to get married. Andrew Jacobs, New York Times, "A Simple Way to Improve a Billion Lives: Eyeglasses," 5 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'infirmity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of infirmity

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

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More Definitions for infirmity

infirmity

noun

English Language Learners Definition of infirmity

: the quality or state of being weak or ill especially because of old age
: a disease or illness that usually lasts for a long time

infirmity

noun
in·​fir·​mi·​ty | \ in-ˈfÉ™r-mÉ™-tÄ“ How to pronounce infirmity (audio) \
plural infirmities

Kids Definition of infirmity

: the condition of being weak or frail (as from age or illness)

infirmity

noun
in·​fir·​mi·​ty | \ in-ˈfÉ™r-mÉ™t-Ä“ How to pronounce infirmity (audio) \
plural infirmities

Medical Definition of infirmity

: the quality or state of being infirm especially : an unsound, unhealthy, or debilitated state

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More from Merriam-Webster on infirmity

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for infirmity

Spanish Central: Translation of infirmity

Nglish: Translation of infirmity for Spanish Speakers