What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
debility
Example
The patient's debility prevented him from walking without assistance. [debility: noun]
Example
After the surgery, she experienced debility and fatigue for several weeks. [debility: noun]
infirmity
Example
The elderly woman suffered from various infirmities that made it difficult for her to live independently. [infirmities: noun]
Example
His mental infirmity prevented him from making sound decisions. [infirmity: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Infirmity is more commonly used than debility in everyday language, and it covers a wider range of contexts. Debility is a less common term and is often used in medical or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between debility and infirmity?
Both debility and infirmity are formal terms, but debility is less commonly used in everyday language and is more likely to be used in medical or technical contexts.
