infirm

adjective

in·​firm in-ˈfərm 

1

: of poor or deteriorated vitality

especially : feeble from age

2

: weak of mind, will, or character : irresolute, vacillating

3

: not solid or stable : insecure

infirmly adverb

Synonyms

• asthenic
• debilitated
• delicate
• down-and-out
• effete
• enervated
• enfeebled
• faint
• feeble
• frail
• languid
• low
• prostrate
• prostrated
• sapped
• slight
• soft
• softened
• tender
• unsubstantial
• wasted
• weak
• weakened
• wimpish
• wimpy

Choose the Right Synonym for infirm

weak, feeble, frail, fragile, infirm, decrepit mean not strong enough to endure strain, pressure, or strenuous effort.

weak applies to deficiency or inferiority in strength or power of any sort.

felt weak after the surgery

feeble suggests extreme weakness inviting pity or contempt.

a feeble attempt to walk

frail implies delicacy and slightness of constitution or structure.

a frail teenager unable to enjoy sports

fragile suggests frailty and brittleness unable to resist rough usage.

a reclusive poet too fragile for the rigors of this world

infirm suggests instability, unsoundness, and insecurity due to old age or disabling illness.

infirm residents requiring constant care

decrepit implies being worn-out or broken-down from long use or old age.

the dowager's decrepit retainers

Examples of infirm in a Sentence

The clinic provides free care for elderly and infirm people who lack health insurance.

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Odysseus’ loyal hunting dog, aged and infirm, clearly recognizes him, dying peacefully just moments later. —Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Sep. 2024

Smart robots will tend to the old and infirm when there are not enough youngsters around to do the job, and the rest of us can lead lives of leisure. —New Atlas, 23 July 2024

Is a Harris-Newsom or Newsom-Harris ticket constitutionally infirm because both are Californians? 6. —Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 21 July 2024

There’s obviously a parallel there to how Viserys (Paddy Considine) was at the end, infirm and ghoulish. —James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin infirmus, from in- + firmus firm

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing infirm

• the infirm

Kids Definition

infirm

adjective

in·​firm in-ˈfərm 

: weak or frail in body (as from age or disease)

Medical Definition

infirm

adjective

in·​firm in-ˈfərm 

: of poor or deteriorated vitality

especially : feeble from age