infirmity
C1/C2Formal, literary, and medical.
Definition
Meaning
The state of being physically or mentally weak, especially because of old age or illness.
A condition of weakness, fragility, or vulnerability; a particular weakness or defect, often inherent, in a person, system, or argument. Can refer to a moral or constitutional failing.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often carries connotations of chronic, long-term, or age-related weakness rather than temporary illness. Can be used as a countable noun for specific weaknesses (e.g., 'the infirmities of old age') or as an uncountable noun for the general state. More common in abstract, empathetic, or euphemistic contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning, spelling, or usage. Slightly more common in British formal and historical texts.
Connotations
Formal and somewhat old-fashioned in both varieties. In US contexts, may be perceived as more literary or ecclesiastical.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but marginally higher in British English due to a stronger tradition of formal and literary vocabulary in certain domains.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
suffer from + infirmityinfirmity + of + [body part/age]infirmity + prevents + gerunddespite/notwithstanding + (possessive) + infirmityVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the infirmities of age”
- “frailties and infirmities”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rarely used. Might appear in insurance contexts or HR discussions about long-term disability.
Academic
Common in medical, historical, sociological, and literary studies to describe chronic conditions or societal vulnerabilities.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual speech; considered a formal substitute for 'weakness' or 'illness'.
Technical
Used in medical and legal English to denote a chronic state of physical or mental disability.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adverb
British English
- He walked infirmly, leaning heavily on his stick.
American English
- The structure stood infirmly after the storm.
adjective
British English
- The infirm old man required constant care.
American English
- She visited the infirm patients in the long-term ward.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- His infirmity meant he needed a walking stick.
- Despite her infirmity, she lived a very active life.
- The policy aimed to support elderly people through the infirmities of age.
- The historian analysed the moral and political infirmities that led to the empire's collapse.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an old, **infirm** (weak) person. The '-ity' makes it the noun: the state of *being* infirm.
Conceptual Metaphor
WEAKNESS IS A BURDEN (e.g., 'weighed down by infirmity'), WEAKNESS IS A FLAW IN A STRUCTURE (e.g., 'the infirmities of the argument').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'инфирмация' (information).
- The Russian 'немощь' is a close equivalent, but 'infirmity' is less emotive and more clinical.
- Avoid overusing for temporary illnesses; it implies chronicity.
Common Mistakes
- Using it for a short-term illness (e.g., 'a cold is an infirmity').
- Confusing spelling with 'infirmary' (a hospital).
- Using in informal contexts where 'weakness' or 'problem' is more natural.
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts is the use of 'infirmity' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A disease is a specific pathological condition with a known cause and symptoms. An infirmity is the resulting state of weakness or debility, which can be caused by a disease, old age, or injury. Infirmity focuses on the lack of strength, not the illness itself.
Yes, 'infirmities' is common and refers to various specific weaknesses or ailments, especially those associated with aging (e.g., 'the infirmities of old age').
It is not inherently offensive, but as a formal and somewhat old-fashioned term, it can sound cold or detached in personal contexts. In modern, person-first language, phrases like 'a person with a disability' are often preferred over labels like 'the infirm'.
It comes from the Latin 'infirmitas', meaning 'weakness', which itself is derived from 'in-' (not) and 'firmus' (strong, firm).
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