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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 spirit of the city is one that famously acknowledges life’s frailty by living it to the fullest — its party-hard ethos is rooted in a history of perseverance. Jennifer Kester, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025 California For Subscribers Dianne Feinstein’s frailty, fight for family millions color her final Senate chapter Sept. 7, 2023 A judge ordered the parties to mediation last year. Laura J. Nelson, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2024 Here are ways to demonstrate a little sensitivity and human frailty on the way to building stronger teams. John Hall, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024 Leah Williamson's defensive struggles raise questions ahead of Euros AD, Lakers overcome 22-point deficit to defeat Durant, Suns Leicester are failing at fundamentals - what are Cooper's options to fix defensive frailties? New York Times, 26 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for frailty 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frailty
Noun
  • But Price acknowledged that the case revealed multiple weaknesses in how police handled homicide investigations at the time, leading to widespread reforms that remain in place today.
    Michael Gordon, Charlotte Observer, 17 Jan. 2025
  • But dunking has become another item on a laundry list of weaknesses for Williams to fix.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • This breeds feelings of frustration and emotional exhaustion.
    Mark Travers, Forbes, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Where there is affection, there is also exhaustion.
    Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Her final trial is a testament to her iron will and the sins she's been forged from.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Discovery role as Philippa Georgiou, the onetime Terran emperor who allies with the titular secret division of Starfleet — and in turn must face the sins of her past.
    Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 20 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The fault in falling for such a scam will likely fall to you.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
  • To hear President-elect Donald Trump tell it, this was all the fault of California Gov. Gavin Newsom and outgoing President Biden.
    Thomas Elias, The Mercury News, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Woll showing signs of fatigue This isn’t a surprise given Woll entered this season having played just 36 regular-season games in the NHL.
    James Mirtle, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
  • In a landscape of dating app fatigue and romance scams, the anachronistic-seeming personals section — which is thriving in Vermont — can look like the way of the dating future.
    Wendy Lu, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • President Trump’s demands for lower interest rates shines a spotlight on the shortcomings of our technocratic dollar system.
    Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Lucky for those of us prone to this design shortcoming, clutter can be quickly remedied with a few thoughtful updates.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 23 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near frailty

Cite this Entry

“Frailty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frailty. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on frailty

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