infirmity
in-FUR-mih-tee
/ɪnˈfɜː.mɪ.ti/
Physical or mental weakness; bodily ailment or weakness.
Emphasizes a state of ill health or chronic physical unsteadiness, often associated with advancing age.
The story behind the word. Infirmity comes from Latin infirmitas, built from in- ('not') and firmus ('strong, stable, solid'). In Classical Rome, an infirmus was literally someone 'not solid' on their feet. The word passed into Middle English via Old French to describe lingering bodily ailments.
Word relationships
- frailty: Frailty emphasizes physical delicateness, while infirmity emphasizes chronic disability or illness.
- ailment: An ailment is a specific disease, while infirmity is a state of physical weakness.
- robustness: Robustness denotes sturdy health and strength.
- vitality: Vitality is energy, liveliness, and vigorous health.
Commonly confused with
- infirmary: An infirmary is a building or room for sick people, whereas infirmity is the state of being sick or weak.
Word family
- infirm (adjective): Not physically or mentally strong, especially through age or illness.
Collocations
- bodily infirmity
- infirmity of age
- physical infirmity
- mental infirmity
Example sentences
- "The philosopher argued that physical infirmity in old age often grants a quiet clarity of thought unburdened by youthful ambition." Philosophical essay
- "The court appointed a legal guardian after medical testimony demonstrated the client's severe mental infirmity." Legal document
Memory hook
In- (not) + firm (strong) = NOT strong! Not firm; physically or mentally weak.
When not to use
Do not use infirmity for a brief 24-hour stomach bug; it implies a long-standing or permanent state of bodily weakness.
Fun facts
- The World Health Organization's famous 1948 definition of health states: 'Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.'
Related words
Explore more words
superannuated, chronic, chronically, impairment, incapacitate, emaciated
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