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infirm

adjective
in·​firm | \ in-ˈfÉ™rm How to pronounce infirm (audio) \

Definition of infirm

1 : of poor or deteriorated vitality especially : feeble from age
2 : weak of mind, will, or character : irresolute, vacillating
3 : not solid or stable : insecure
Other Words from infirm Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about infirm

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Other Words from infirm

infirmly adverb

Choose the Right Synonym for infirm

weak, feeble, frail, fragile, infirm, decrepit mean not strong enough to endure strain, pressure, or strenuous effort. weak applies to deficiency or inferiority in strength or power of any sort. felt weak after the surgery feeble suggests extreme weakness inviting pity or contempt. a feeble attempt to walk frail implies delicacy and slightness of constitution or structure. a frail teenager unable to enjoy sports fragile suggests frailty and brittleness unable to resist rough usage. a reclusive poet too fragile for the rigors of this world infirm suggests instability, unsoundness, and insecurity due to old age or crippling illness. infirm residents requiring constant care decrepit implies being worn-out or broken-down from long use or old age. the dowager's decrepit retainers

Examples of infirm in a Sentence

The clinic provides free care for elderly and infirm people who lack health insurance. the elderly and infirm have to be especially careful during the winter months

Recent Examples on the Web

 For relatives of elderly or infirm patients, preparing for a hurricane is an especially stressful time, experts said. — Tim Craig, Washington Post, "Lessons of the past inform care for elderly residents as Hurricane Dorian approaches Florida," 1 Sep. 2019 In a moment of concern at the end of the season 3 finale of This Is Us, Randall cautiously opened the door to the bedroom at Kevin’s house and greeted his infirm eightysomething mother by repeating his name. — Dan Snierson, EW.com, "This Is Us star Sterling K. Brown teases 'subversive' season 4 premiere," 28 Aug. 2019 There are a lot of people that are traveling to the United States that are already ill and infirm. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Chickenpox and flu: Migrants are getting sick at the U.S.-Mexico border," 19 Aug. 2019 The old or infirm will doubtless want to keep their cars. — The Economist, "Streets ahead," 1 Aug. 2019 A few years ago Mr Aboutaleb cancelled a test evacuation of 12,000 Rotterdammers after computer models suggested a handful of elderly or infirm evacuees might die in the process. — The Economist, "Climate change is a remorseless threat to the world’s coasts," 17 Aug. 2019 Initially, a number of people complained to Traubel’s mother that her son shouldn’t associate with such an old lecher, but Traubel volunteered to run errands for the increasingly infirm Whitman. — Brenda Wineapple, The New York Review of Books, "‘I Have Let Whitman Alone’," 18 Apr. 2019 Military officials fretted about finding living arrangements for someone described as infirm and troublesome. — Washington Post, "Where’s Capt. Molly? Search on for Revolutionary hero grave," 29 Apr. 2018 Photo: Amber Snyder Some millennial caregivers are not only taking care of infirm parents and aging grandparents, but also young children. — Clare Ansberry, WSJ, "The Call to Care for Aging Parents Comes Sooner Now," 6 Aug. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'infirm.' 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 infirm

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for infirm

Middle English, from Latin infirmus, from in- + firmus firm

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More Definitions for infirm

infirm

adjective
How to pronounce infirm (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of infirm

: having a condition of weakness or illness that usually lasts for a long time and is caused especially by old age

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

infirm

adjective
in·​firm | \ in-ˈfÉ™rm How to pronounce infirm (audio) \

Kids Definition of infirm

: weak or frail in body

infirm

adjective
in·​firm | \ in-ˈfÉ™rm How to pronounce infirm (audio) \

Medical Definition of infirm

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