infirmity

/in'fə:miti/ Cách viết khác : (infirmness) /in'fə:mnis/
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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)

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