FRAILTY Synonyms: 123 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

frailty

noun

ˈfrāl-tē

Definition of frailty

as in weakness

a defect in character selfishness is a common human frailty

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in exhaustion

the quality or state of lacking physical strength or vigor frailty doesn't affect all elderly people, for many are indeed healthy and strong

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in softness

the quality or state of lacking strength of will or character the frailty shown by the apostle Peter when he denied Jesus three times

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Example 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 Researchers said that all of these contribute to greater frailty and poorer health, resulting in accelerated aging. — Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026 The lawsuit is not only about the definition of medical frailty. — Michelle Mbekeani, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 Her gait is so constrained by her frailty that her feet hardly leave the ground. — Meghan O’Gieblyn, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026 This month’s announcement from CMS caught states off guard with a new definition of medical frailty. — ABC News, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for frailty

Recent Examples of Synonyms for frailty

Noun

And Japan’s use of the Fed’s Foreign and International Monetary Authorities Repo Facility is actually a sign of dollar strength rather than weakness.

— Jason Ma, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2026
Evidence points to much of the monthly weakness being related to the end of major events, including the World Cup and America 250.

— Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of weakness

Noun

Spouses, in turn, asked what was being done to address issues of mental health and exhaustion, MS NOW reported.

— Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
In addition to the end of the capital expenditure boom that built these excess factories, the exhaustion of markets would create the conditions for a crisis.

— Michael B. G. Froman, Foreign Affairs, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of exhaustion

Noun

Fans of improv, musicals and audience participation will thoroughly enjoy this performance and should be prepared to repent for sins like eating a hamburger, owning too many snakes or yearning for a younger man.

— Talia McWright, Twin Cities, 9 Aug. 2026
Where death’s grey skies loom large, the 2000s are portrayed in silvery black and white while ancient action takes place in vibrant colors, with Dante’s tale of sin and justice rolled into one story.

— A.D. Amorosi, SPIN, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of sin

Noun

As Kasubhai observed, despite its legal feebleness, Kennedy’s declaration and its explicit threat has had a concrete impact on the provision of gender-affirming services to American youths.

— Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
Signs of disease include warts on legs, crusty or swollen eyes, feebleness, a ruffled appearance, difficulty breathing, nasal discharge, and diarrhea.

— Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026

Definition of feebleness

Noun

Of the defendants, Cesar Morales was apportioned 60% of the fault, Arnold Morales 20% of the fault, Alvarez 5% of the fault and Harrison 15% of the fault.

— Jason Green, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026
And yet, there’s a halo of chaos that surrounds Rhaenyra — an electric current of turmoil that’s too constant not to be her fault.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of fault

Noun

Rangers starter Jacob deGrom, who has been battling a left hip and glute injury since the All-Star break, was pulled after two innings because of right triceps fatigue.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
Investigators also found signs of metal fatigue at the base of the fan blade that broke off, despite recent inspections of the fan blades.

— Kris Van Cleave, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of fatigue

Noun

While the Endangered Species Act has shortcomings, once these changes go into effect next month, even fewer protections will exist, Boyles said.

— Finnegan Belleau, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026
This is a player that remains at the peak of his powers, and while Barça doesn’t have the shortcomings Real Madrid does in midfield following the departures of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, any team would be foolish to turn Rodri down.

— Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of shortcoming

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frame

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“Frailty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frailty. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of frailty

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