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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun frailty differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of frailty are failing, fault, foible, and vice. While all these words mean "an imperfection or weakness of character," frailty implies a general or chronic proneness to yield to temptation.

human frailties

When would failing be a good substitute for frailty?

The words failing and frailty can be used in similar contexts, but failing suggests a minor shortcoming in character.

being late is a failing of mine

In what contexts can fault take the place of frailty?

The words fault and frailty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fault implies a failure, not necessarily culpable, to reach some standard of perfection in disposition, action, or habit.

a writer of many virtues and few faults

When can foible be used instead of frailty?

While the synonyms foible and frailty are close in meaning, foible applies to a harmless or endearing weakness or idiosyncrasy.

an eccentric's charming foibles

When is it sensible to use vice instead of frailty?

The synonyms vice and frailty are sometimes interchangeable, but vice can be a general term for any imperfection or weakness, but it often suggests violation of a moral code or the giving of offense to the moral sensibilities of others.

compulsive gambling was his vice

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of frailty The big picture: At a time of defense manufacturing frailty, the Virginia upstart is billing itself as a merchant of industriousness. Colin Demarest, Axios, 9 Apr. 2025 Twain therefore presents a tantalizing challenge for literary biography: to explain how someone able to spot and depict frailties of conscience, character, and judgment in others could be so powerless to correct them in himself. Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 9 May 2025 But despite what studies say about flavonoids’ broader health benefits, whether they’re connected to certain aspects of aging, including frailty, poor physical function, and poor mental health, isn’t well researched. Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 7 May 2025 The defensive frailties of Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side are exposed time and again in a 3-0 loss. Rob Tanner, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for frailty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frailty
Noun
  • One weakness in Capture One's utility as a workflow solution has been its lack of sharing to established online photo venues, but there's a ray of light on this count.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 28 May 2025
  • While the dollar strengthened for the second day on Wednesday, Jefferies thinks the greenback could be in for an extended period of weakness.
    Michelle Fox, CNBC, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • Trade timing The timing for adding bearish exposure to DE is optimal, as the stock has reached a recent all-time high and is showing signs of exhaustion with bearish divergence on the weekly RSI.
    Tony Zhang, CNBC, 21 May 2025
  • And his aesthetic keeps pace with Brendan Mills’ excellent editing, in changing mood from the jittery, quick-cut, handheld first half to a steadier, more contemplative last act as Lu’s treks across the boroughs become longer and slower and exhaustion begins to set in.
    Jessica Kiang, Variety, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • And the sin that Crespo supposedly committed to warrant banishment?
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2025
  • For his part, Misch has not come close to showing remorse nor confessing his sins.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • But now that the game is in the wild, fans are finding the same faults, and as a percentage, their scores are even lower.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • But the latest test did not have the same fault, allowing fuel to be vented away from the engine safely and preventing the collapsing ship from exploding.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • Dejan Kulusevski Age: 25 Contract expires: 2028 The Sweden international was exceptional up until January when fatigue and a foot injury took their toll.
    Jay Harris, New York Times, 29 May 2025
  • For example, a recent study found two handfuls of almonds a day eased fatigue and muscle damage after a tough session.
    Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • Kindall, an applicant for the permanent job, acknowledged shortcomings at SEEC but questioned the scope and timing of the legislation.
    Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 22 May 2025
  • Get it to identify the shortcomings in your request before starting.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Frailty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frailty. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on frailty

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