Infirm — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /in-ˈfərm/ in·firm

Meaning & Definition of Infirm

Infirm (adjective)

  1. of poor or deteriorated vitality; especially, feeble from age
  2. weak of mind, will, or character, irresolute, vacillating
  3. not solid or stable, insecure

Infirm (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. lacking bodily strength

    "the elderly and infirm have to be especially careful during the winter months"

    similar: asthenic, debilitated, delicate, down-and-out, effete, enervated, enfeebled, faint, feeble, frail, languid, low, prostrate, prostrated, sapped, slight, soft, softened, tender, unsubstantial, wasted, weak, weakened, wimpish, wimpy
    related: disabled, incapacitated, invalid, paralyzed, broken-down, decrepit, impotent, powerless, breakable, flimsy, fragile, dizzy, groggy, rocky, unsteady, woozy, drained, exhausted, flagging, tired, weary, worn-out, damaged, harmed, hurt, impaired, injured, unsound, resistless, susceptible, unresistant, vulnerable, yielding
    opposite: mighty, powerful, rugged, stalwart, stout, strong
    near: able-bodied, athletic, beefy, brawny, fit, husky, muscular, sinewy, strapping, virile, hard, hardy, lusty, red-blooded, robust, sturdy, tough, fortified, hardened, inured, strengthened, toughened, energetic, energized, invigorated, vigorous, vitalized, hale, healthy, sound, capable, competent, convalescing, recovering, recuperating

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Infirm

The most common words with a similar meaning to Infirm:

asthenic, debilitated, delicate, down-and-out, effete, enervated, enfeebled, faint, feeble, frail, languid, low, prostrate, prostrated, sapped, slight, soft, softened, tender, unsubstantial, wasted, weak, weakened, wimpish, wimpy

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Infirm

Words with the opposite meaning of Infirm:

mighty, powerful, rugged, stalwart, stout, strong

Related Words for Infirm

disabled, incapacitated, invalid, paralyzed, broken-down, decrepit, impotent, powerless, breakable, flimsy, fragile, dizzy, groggy, rocky, unsteady, woozy, drained, exhausted, flagging, tired, weary, worn-out, damaged, harmed, hurt, impaired, injured, unsound, resistless, susceptible

Near Antonyms of Infirm

able-bodied, athletic, beefy, brawny, fit, husky, muscular, sinewy, strapping, virile, hard, hardy, lusty, red-blooded, robust, sturdy, tough, fortified, hardened, inured, strengthened, toughened, energetic, energized, invigorated, vigorous, vitalized, hale, healthy, sound

Word Forms of Infirm

Derived words: infirmly (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Infirm

Middle English, from Latin infirmus, from in- + firmus firm

First known use: 1608

Words & Phrases Containing Infirm

the infirm

Frequently Asked Questions about Infirm

What does "Infirm" mean?

"Infirm" means of poor or deteriorated vitality; especially, feeble from age. As an adjective, it is defined as: of poor or deteriorated vitality; especially, feeble from age.

What is another word for "Infirm"?

Other words for "Infirm" include asthenic, debilitated, delicate, down-and-out, effete, enervated, enfeebled and faint. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Infirm" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Infirm"?

There are 58 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Infirm". Common alternatives include asthenic, debilitated, delicate, down-and-out, effete, enervated, enfeebled, faint, feeble and frail.

What is the opposite of "Infirm"?

Antonyms of "Infirm" include mighty, powerful, rugged, stalwart, stout and strong. Near antonyms include able-bodied, athletic, beefy and brawny.

How do you use "Infirm" in a sentence?

Examples of "Infirm" in a sentence: "the elderly and infirm have to be especially careful during the winter months".

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

"Infirm" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Infirm"?

"Infirm" is pronounced /in-ˈfərm/ and divided into syllables as in·firm.

What is the origin of the word "Infirm"?

"Infirm" comes from Middle English, from Latin infirmus, from in- + firmus firm. First known use: 1608.