Extremity — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ik-ˈstre-mə-tē/ ex·trem·i·ty

Meaning & Definition of Extremity

Extremity (noun)

  1. the farthest or most remote part, section, or point
  2. a limb of the body; especially, a human hand or foot
  3. extreme danger or critical need

Extremity (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a time or state of affairs requiring prompt or decisive action

    "made offers of aid to the refugees, and of asylum in extremity"

    similar: boiling point, breaking point, clutch, conjuncture, crisis, crossroad(s), crunch, crunch time, Dunkirk, emergency, exigency, flash point, head, juncture, tinderbox, zero hour, moment of truth, point of no return
    related: contingency, possibility, climax, turning point, happening, landmark, milestone, condition, pass, situation, strait, deadlock, impasse, stalemate, corner, fix, hole, hot water, jam, last ditch, pinch, predicament, scrape, spot, eleventh hour, last minute

  2. the most extreme or advanced point

    "at its extremity the fever was actually life-threatening"

    similar: depth, height, limit
    related: consummation, epitome, quintessence, ultimate

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Extremity

The most common words with a similar meaning to Extremity:

boiling point, breaking point, clutch, conjuncture, crisis, crossroad(s), crunch, crunch time, Dunkirk, emergency, exigency, flash point, head, juncture, tinderbox, zero hour, depth, height, limit, moment of truth, point of no return

Related Words for Extremity

contingency, possibility, climax, turning point, happening, landmark, milestone, condition, pass, situation, strait, deadlock, impasse, stalemate, corner, fix, hole, hot water, jam, last ditch, pinch, predicament, scrape, spot, eleventh hour, last minute, consummation, epitome, quintessence, ultimate

Word Forms of Extremity

Inflections: extremities

Origin & Etymology of Extremity

First known use: 14th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Extremity

What does "Extremity" mean?

"Extremity" means the farthest or most remote part, section, or point. As a noun, it is defined as: the farthest or most remote part, section, or point. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Extremity"?

Other words for "Extremity" include boiling point, breaking point, clutch, conjuncture, crisis, crossroad(s), crunch and crunch time. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Extremity" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Extremity"?

There are 51 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Extremity". Common alternatives include boiling point, breaking point, clutch, conjuncture, crisis, crossroad(s), crunch, crunch time, Dunkirk and emergency.

How do you use "Extremity" in a sentence?

Examples of "Extremity" in a sentence: "made offers of aid to the refugees, and of asylum in extremity"; "at its extremity the fever was actually life-threatening".

Is "Extremity" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Extremity" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Extremity"?

"Extremity" is pronounced /ik-ˈstre-mə-tē/ and divided into syllables as ex·trem·i·ty.

What is the origin of the word "Extremity"?

First known use: 14th century.

What is another word for "Extremity" meaning "a time or state of affairs requiring prompt or decisive action"?

When "Extremity" (noun) means a time or state of affairs requiring prompt or decisive action, synonyms include boiling point, breaking point, clutch, conjuncture, crisis and crossroad(s).