debility

/dəˈbɪlədi/

Other forms: debilities

Debility is weakness caused by an illness, injury, or aging. Very elderly people often need extra care because of debility.

Debility is similar to disability, although the first term tends to describe a slower process of slowing and weakening, either physically or mentally. It comes from the Latin debilitatem, "a weakening," and its roots, the prefix de-, "from or away," and -bilis, "strength." A lack of proper nutrition over a long period can cause debility, and the very act of living to be 120 is sure to result in debility as well.

Definitions of debility

1. noun

   the state of being weak in health or body (especially from old age)
   synonyms: feebleness, frailness, frailty, infirmity, valetudinarianism

   types:

   asthenia, astheny

   an abnormal loss of strength

   cachexia, cachexy, wasting

   any general reduction in vitality and strength of body and mind resulting from a debilitating chronic disease

   type of:

   softness, unfitness

   poor physical condition; being out of shape or out of condition (as from a life of ease and luxury)