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Debility - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Debility refers to physical or mental weakness, often caused by illness or aging. It implies a lack of strength or vitality, making everyday activities difficult.

debility

/dɪˈbɪləti/ /dɪˈbɪlɪti/

Definition:

Physical weakness or lack of strength, often due to illness or age.

Synonyms:

weakness, frailty, infirmity, feebleness

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

strength, vigor

Common Collocations:

chronic debility, mental debility, physical debility

Derivatives:

debilitate, debilitating

Usage Tips:

Use "debility" to describe prolonged weakness, not temporary fatigue; often linked to health conditions.

Common Phrases:

general debility, nervous debility, senile debility

Etymology:

From Latin "debilitas," meaning weakness or infirmity; derived from "debilis" (weak).

Examples:

  • 1. The illness left him in a state of debility for weeks.
  • 2. Her debility prevented her from climbing the stairs easily.
  • 3. Old age often brings some degree of physical debility.
  • 4. The doctor noted the patient's mental debility after the stroke.

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