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.
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.