Skip to main content

infirmweak and ill due to old age or illness; not physically strong

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: weak and ill due to old age or illness; not physically strong

Pronunciation (IPA): /ɪnˈfɜːrm/

Example Sentences

  • My grandmother became increasingly infirm after her 90th birthday, but she still insists on making her famous cookies.
  • The infirm cat couldn't catch mice anymore, so it became a professional food critic instead.
  • The hospital has a special ward dedicated to caring for infirm patients.

infirm

ADJECTIVE

[/ɪnˈfɜːrm/]

weak and ill due to old age or illness; not physically strong

The infirm grandfather leans on his cane while grandchildren help him to the garden bench.
💡 Concept

The infirm grandfather leans on his cane while grandchildren help him to the garden bench.

Though hands are infirm, his judgment stays firm to confirm!
🎵 Rhyme

Though hands are infirm, his judgment stays firm to confirm!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ɪnˈfɜːrm/
🇬🇧 UK/ɪnˈfɜːm/

🌳Etymology

Prefixin--
Rootfirm

Origin

From Latin 'infirmus', composed of the prefix 'in-' (not) and 'firmus' (strong, firm). The word entered English through Old French and has been used since the 13th century to describe weakness or frailty.

Breakdown

in- (not) + firm (strong, from Latin firmus) = infirm (not strong, weak)

🎵Rhyme

confirmfirmtermworm
confirm
firm
term
worm

🔗Collocations

infirm elderly
physically infirm
infirm patients
care for the infirm
infirm and frail

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

My grandmother became increasingly infirm after her 90th birthday, but she still insists on making her famous cookies.

😄 Fun example

The infirm cat couldn't catch mice anymore, so it became a professional food critic instead.

The hospital has a special ward dedicated to caring for infirm patients.

Despite being infirm, the old professor still delivered the most energetic lectures on campus.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

weakfrailfeebledebilitatedfragile

Antonyms

strongrobustvigorous

Related

elderlysicklyinvalidfirmconfirm

Want to master 19,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.