infirmity

Everyday

1. (formal) An infirmity is a physical or mental weakness or illness, especially one that comes with old age. tree →
2. Infirmity is the state of being weak or ill for a long time. tree →

In the lessons

A formal or old-fashioned word in history, classic stories and the Bible («the infirmities of age»). Today people more often say «illness», «disability» or «frailty». It tells the reader that a character is weak, ill or very old. Phrases: the infirmities of old age, illness and infirmity.

Examples

• Grandad never complained about the infirmities of old age. tree →
• The old king's infirmity meant his son ruled for him. tree →
• The hospital was built for the sick and those in infirmity. tree →
• Despite her infirmity, she walked to church every Sunday. tree →
• In the Bible, Jesus is described as healing many infirmities. tree →
• The almshouse was for poor people who could no longer work because of infirmity. tree →
• Who else would have borne with my infirmities as thou hast! tree →

Note

Formal; a doctor would say illness or condition. The adjective is infirm (weak from age or illness). An infirmary is an old word for a hospital or a sick room in a school. Be respectful: do not use «infirm» as an insult.

In Jewish tradition

It means bodily weakness or sickness, which a strong spirit can bear.

Interpretation. Proverbs teaches that inner courage and hope help people endure illness, while a crushed spirit is much harder to bear.

Examples

• The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a broken spirit who can bear? (Writings PRO.18.14, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Formal; a doctor would say illness or condition. The adjective is infirm (weak from age or illness). An infirmary is an old word for a hospital or a sick room in a school. Be respectful: do not use «infirm» as an insult.