INFIRM Synonyms: 101 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'infirm' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of infirm are decrepit , feeble , fragile , frail , and weak . While all these words mean "not strong enough to endure strain, pressure, or strenuous effort," infirm suggests instability, unsoundness, and insecurity due to old age or crippling illness. // infirm residents requiring constant care

Q: When would 'decrepit' be a good substitute for 'infirm'?

While the synonyms decrepit and infirm are close in meaning, decrepit implies being worn-out or broken-down from long use or old age. // the dowager's decrepit retainers

Q: In what contexts can 'feeble' take the place of 'infirm'?

Although the words feeble and infirm have much in common, feeble suggests extreme weakness inviting pity or contempt. // a feeble attempt to walk

Q: When could 'fragile' be used to replace 'infirm'?

The synonyms fragile and infirm are sometimes interchangeable, but fragile suggests frailty and brittleness unable to resist rough usage. // a reclusive poet too fragile for the rigors of this world

Q: When is it sensible to use 'frail' instead of 'infirm'?

The words frail and infirm are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, frail implies delicacy and slightness of constitution or structure. // a frail teenager unable to enjoy sports

Q: When can 'weak' be used instead of 'infirm'?

The meanings of weak and infirm largely overlap; however, weak applies to deficiency or inferiority in strength or power of any sort. // felt weak after the surgery

infirm

adjective

in-ˈfərm

Definition of infirm next

as in weak

lacking bodily strength the elderly and infirm have to be especially careful during the winter months

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How does the adjective infirm contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of infirm are decrepit, feeble, fragile, frail, and weak. While all these words mean "not strong enough to endure strain, pressure, or strenuous effort," infirm suggests instability, unsoundness, and insecurity due to old age or crippling illness.

infirm residents requiring constant care

When would decrepit be a good substitute for infirm?

While the synonyms decrepit and infirm are close in meaning, decrepit implies being worn-out or broken-down from long use or old age.

the dowager's decrepit retainers

In what contexts can feeble take the place of infirm?

Although the words feeble and infirm have much in common, feeble suggests extreme weakness inviting pity or contempt.

a feeble attempt to walk

When could fragile be used to replace infirm?

The synonyms fragile and infirm are sometimes interchangeable, but fragile suggests frailty and brittleness unable to resist rough usage.

a reclusive poet too fragile for the rigors of this world

When is it sensible to use frail instead of infirm?

The words frail and infirm are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, frail implies delicacy and slightness of constitution or structure.

a frail teenager unable to enjoy sports

When can weak be used instead of infirm?

The meanings of weak and infirm largely overlap; however, weak applies to deficiency or inferiority in strength or power of any sort.

felt weak after the surgery

Examples 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 infirm However, unless the patient/resident is so infirm that he or she can’t be moved, nothing prevents a son, daughter or grandchild from taking their relative out for a nice brunch, lunch or dinner. —

Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 21 Oct. 2024 The final version of the report has a higher price tag than the draft The Times published last month, primarily due to the addition of the higher level of care facilities, which officials say are needed for a population that’s increasingly infirm. —

Liam Dillon, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2024 Some Native American tribes did leave voluntarily; many of them, however, were transported by private contractors who kept the cost of moving people as low as possible by denying them any medical care and by forcing the old and infirm to march on foot, resulting in untold suffering and death. —

David Treuer, Foreign Affairs, 9 June 2020 Odysseus’ loyal hunting dog, aged and infirm, clearly recognizes him, dying peacefully just moments later. —

Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for infirm

Recent Examples of Synonyms for infirm

Adjective

Its economy is already facing a deepening malaise, brought on by a property crisis, mounting government debt and weak consumer spending.

— David Pierson, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025
The team continues to play great with a different weak spot each season, so maybe that’s part of the excitement and drama of being a fan of the franchise now. · 5h 1m ago Thanks Chandler, good stuff as always.

— Chandler Rome, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025