infirmity of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "infirmity of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing weaknesses, disabilities, or health issues, often in a formal or literary manner. Example: "The infirmity of age can often lead to a decline in physical abilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

FORGET about infirmity of purpose.

The Economist

This infirmity of the flesh may be a signature of his Falstaff.

The New York Times

Einstein's amiable infirmity of purpose was illustrated on his trip to America on the Belgenland, in 1930.

The New Yorker

Given the infirmity of a large proportion of pensioners, the system would have to travel to them.

The Economist

Given the general age and infirmity of the Elders, I now function as the managing partner functions in a law office.

The New Yorker

Tacitus, Suetonius, and the later historian Dio Cassius attribute Claudius's mistakes to infirmity of character and the influence of his wives and freedmen.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

No unexpected injuries or infirmities of consequence.

The New York Times - Sports

He was very old, with all the infirmities of age.

The Economist

Today, the infirmities of old age have not stopped Mr. Jones.

The New York Times - Arts

Dr. Guarente believes that inefficient silencing in cells could explain many of the infirmities of age.

The New York Times

He had the garishly bad taste to dwell on the ages and infirmities of some of his least favorite jurists.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing sensitive topics such as age-related conditions or disabilities, use "infirmity of" with respect and awareness to avoid causing offense. Ensure the context is appropriate and the language is considerate.

Common error

Avoid using "infirmity of" in everyday conversation or casual writing. It's best suited for formal or literary contexts where a more elevated tone is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "infirmity of" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object complement. It typically describes a state of weakness, frailty, or illness. As Ludwig highlights, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

18%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "infirmity of" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase that describes a state of weakness or frailty. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is suitable for formal contexts and often appears in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Scientific publications. While correct, it is better to avoid using the phrase in casual conversation because alternatives like "sickness" or "illness" may be more appropriate. The phrase demonstrates consistent usage in authoritative sources, reinforcing its reliability in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impairment of

General term for damage or reduction in function of a physical or mental ability.

frailty of

Emphasizes physical weakness and vulnerability, often associated with old age.

weakness in

Focuses on a general lack of strength or capability rather than a specific illness.

incapacity due to

Highlights the inability to perform certain actions or tasks because of a particular condition.

debilitation caused by

Focuses on the weakening or enfeeblement resulting from a specific cause or condition.

illness impacting

Highlights the effect of a sickness on overall health and functionality.

disability resulting from

Indicates a physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities.

lack of strength in

Stresses the absence of physical power or resilience in a particular area or context.

ailment affecting

Specifies a particular disease or health problem that impacts someone or something.

deficiency in

Points out a lack of something essential, whether physical or abstract, leading to a weakened state.

FAQs

How can I use "infirmity of" in a sentence?

Use "infirmity of" to refer to a state of being weak or ill, often due to old age. For example, "The "infirmity of old age" made daily tasks difficult for her."

What are some alternatives to "infirmity of"?

You can use alternatives such as "weakness in", "frailty of", or "ailment affecting" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "infirmity of" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "infirmity of" is more formal and might sound stilted in casual conversation. Consider using simpler terms like "sickness of" or "illness of" in informal settings.

What is the difference between "infirmity of" and "disability resulting from"?

"Infirmity of" generally refers to weakness or frailty, often associated with old age or illness, while "disability resulting from" refers to a physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities. Disability can be a more permanent or significant impairment.