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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

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 frailty This provides the greatest benefit, including less risk of frailty in old age, plus better mental function. Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 26 Sep. 2024 Research shows that if left untreated, hearing loss can increase the risk of social isolation, depression, cognitive decline and frailty. Juliana Kim, NPR, 14 Sep. 2024 Prioritizing good nutrition and resistance training also plays an important role in improving symptoms and preventing falls and frailty. Angela Haupt, TIME, 17 Sep. 2024 Kakkar has a later over-the-top turn as the elderly Alexander Iden, who gives Cade his just deserts despite her character’s conspicuous frailty. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for frailty 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frailty
Noun
  • Keep reading for information about your Sagittarius baby or child, including their potential strengths and weaknesses.
    Holly Garcia, Parents, 22 Nov. 2024
  • By identifying strengths and weaknesses in choices that have already been made, this reflective practice builds resilience and helps clients make informed, confident decisions moving forward.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Holiday stress can dampen the joy and fun of the season, rendering the opposite effect: exhaustion, depression and grief.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
  • The latest spike, though, is attributable to exhaustion on both sides of the political spectrum, Permunian says.
    Ryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 6 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • So there’s perhaps no greater sin than to serve a casserole with a sad, soggy topping.
    Jill Schildhouse, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2024
  • The Saints are coming off of a 51-27 drubbing by Tampa Bay last Sunday and are certainly looking for some absolution from their gridiron sins.
    Chris Morris, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • That was my fault, in not sticking with the initial, less manicured way of presenting the feelings in those songs.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 23 Nov. 2024
  • If both you and the other driver are found partially at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
    Nia Bowers, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Chronic stress can lead to elevated cortisol levels, which often result in fatigue, anxiety and other health issues.
    Samantha Conti, WWD, 21 Nov. 2024
  • The symptoms of infection include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose and headaches.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • But there are shortcomings when mirroring an iPhone display.
    Craig Grannell, WIRED, 4 Nov. 2024
  • While each of these leaders had his shortcomings and foibles, none of them consistently violated every principle of good leadership like Donald Trump does.
    Nina Turner, Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near frailty

Cite this Entry

“Frailty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frailty. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on frailty

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