Synonyms of infirm

infirm

adjective

in-ˈfərm 

as in weak

lacking bodily strength

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• weak
• frail
• weakened
• feeble
• disabled
• debilitated
• enfeebled
• faint
• tired
• incapacitated
• paralyzed
• injured
• exhausted
• vulnerable
• softened
• languid
• asthenic
• prostrate
• soft
• effete
• wimpy
• slight
• down-and-out
• wasted
• unsubstantial
• delicate
• low
• tender
• weary
• enervated
• fragile
• wimpish
• prostrated
• challenged
• sapped
• decrepit
• invalid
• unsteady
• powerless
• drained
• impotent
• impaired
• damaged
• lame
• dizzy
• susceptible
• hurt
• flimsy
• breakable
• groggy
• broken-down
• woozy
• rocky
• unsound
• flagging
• resistless
• worn-out
• harmed
• yielding
• unresistant

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• powerful
• strong
• mighty
• stout
• rugged
• muscular
• athletic
• virile
• stalwart
• able-bodied
• hardy
• sinewy
• fit
• sturdy
• hard
• beefy
• robust
• husky
• brawny
• tough
• lusty
• hardened
• energetic
• vigorous
• strengthened
• fortified
• healthy
• sound
• competent
• capable
• strapping
• hale
• energized
• recovering
• inured
• toughened
• red-blooded
• vitalized
• invigorated
• convalescing
• recuperating

Synonym Chooser

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of infirm

Responding to a question from Newsweek, Adams shared three strategies for hospitals and health care providers working to effectively communicate public health information in a second Trump term, one with an infirm position on vaccines and possible cuts to major health care programs. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025

Threat level: Cover your plants, drip your faucets and bring in your pets — and check on your neighbors, especially ones who are infirm. —Asher Price, Axios, 18 Feb. 2025

With their branches weighted down by snow, his evergreens are infirm but not yet fallen—still here after the storm. —Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 5 Feb. 2025

Harper and Ullman said the younger women sometimes looked after elderly, infirm or penniless prisoners. —Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2025