debility

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "debility" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun used to refer to physical weakness or the state of being feeble and weak. For example, "Her doctor was worried about her debility, given her advanced age and recent health problems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Walker dutifully recorded the effects of leaking miasma on the constitution of gravediggers, ranging from general ill health ("pain in the head, heaviness, extreme debility, lachrymation, violent palpitation of the heart, universal trembling, with vomiting") to sudden death.

The Guardian

We learn also how he was prone to illness, but conquered his debility.

The Economist

Even after overcoming this debility, he insisted upon "shielding" himself from the audience by retreating further into character roles, donning elaborate makeups, and adopting thick foreign accents as a form of self-protection.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is not concerned exclusively with debility, which looms so large in human experience, but deals with a much wider range of phenomena.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Chronic hypophosphatemia, in which a prolonged deficiency depletes the body's normal phosphate stores, causes generalized debility, weakness, and anorexia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They may also irritate the upper respiratory tract, causing coughing, choking, and general debility.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Besides attacks, persons with malaria commonly have anemia (owing to the destruction of red blood cells by the parasites), enlargement of the spleen (the organ responsible for ridding the body of degenerate red blood cells), and general weakness and debility.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Aging is the sequential or progressive change in an organism that leads to an increased risk of debility, disease, and death.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The death of Aetius in 454 and the growing debility of a western imperial government hamstrung by the loss of Africa to the Vandals created a power vacuum in Gaul.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She suffered from bouts of melancholy and ill health and showed signs of increasing debility.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thiamin deficiency results in beriberi, a disease characterized by multiple neuritis (lesions of nerves), general debility, and heart failure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about health conditions, use "debility" to describe a general state of weakness, rather than a specific disease. For instance, "The patient's debility was a result of chemotherapy."

Common error

Avoid using "debility" to describe a temporary state of fatigue. "Debility" implies a more prolonged and significant reduction in strength or function, not just tiredness after exercise.

Linguistic Context

The word "debility" functions as a noun, denoting a state of physical or mental weakness. Ludwig provides examples of its use in describing health conditions and general states of decline, as well as in more abstract contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Encyclopedias

29%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "debility" accurately describes a state of physical or mental weakness, commonly used in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct. While alternatives like "frailty" or "weakness" exist, "debility" carries a specific connotation often linked to prolonged or significant decline. Remember, it is best used to describe lasting conditions rather than temporary fatigue. The frequent use of this word in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its established place in formal and neutral language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frailty

Indicates a general state of being weak or delicate, often associated with old age.

weakness

Refers to a lack of physical or mental strength.

feebleness

Suggests a state of being frail and lacking vigor.

infirmity

Implies a chronic weakness or ailment, often associated with aging.

physical decline

Focuses on the deterioration of physical health or condition.

impairment

Refers to a reduction in function or ability.

deterioration

Highlights the process of something becoming progressively worse.

enfeeblement

Emphasizes the act of making someone or something weak.

ailing health

Implies a state of poor or declining health.

loss of vitality

Indicates a reduction in energy and liveliness.

FAQs

How is "debility" used in a sentence?

The word "debility" typically describes a state of weakness. For example, "The illness caused significant "debility", making daily tasks difficult."

What words can I use instead of "debility"?

Depending on the context, you can use words like "frailty", "weakness", or "infirmity" as alternatives to "debility".

Is "debility" the same as a disease?

"Debility" is not a disease itself but rather a condition or symptom characterized by weakness. It can be a consequence of various diseases or conditions.

How does "debility" relate to aging?

As people age, they may experience increased "debility" due to natural physical decline. This can manifest as reduced strength and stamina.