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debility

noun
de·​bil·​i·​ty | \ di-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce debility (audio) , dē-\
plural debilities

Definition of debility

: weakness, infirmity
Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about debility

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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

 If the demise of the Warsaw Pact signaled Russian debility, the 1991 Persian Gulf war, when Saddam Hussein tried to gobble up Kuwait, confirmed it. — Jacob Heilbrunn, New York Times, "Yearning for an Earlier Era of American Diplomacy," 8 Dec. 2017 Her death certificate, reviewed by The Post, lists four possible causes, a catalogue of overlapping debilities that in some combination killed her: cardiopulmonary arrest, hypoxia, pulmonary edema and morbid obesity. — Peter Jamison, Washington Post, "A pregnant woman went to the “hospital from hell” short of breath. Six hours later, she was dead.," 24 Dec. 2017

First Known Use of debility

15th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for debility

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

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More Definitions for debility

debility

noun
How to pronounce debility (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of debility

formal : physical weakness caused by illness or old age

See the full definition for debility in the English Language Learners Dictionary

debility

noun
de·​bil·​i·​ty | \ di-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce debility (audio) \
plural debilities

Kids Definition of debility

: a weakened state especially of health

debility

noun
de·​bil·​i·​ty | \ di-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce debility (audio) \
plural debilities

Medical Definition of debility

: the quality or state of being weak, feeble, or infirm especially : physical weakness

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