Infirm

/ɪnˈfɜːrm/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A person who is weak or ill, especially due to age.

The infirm were given special care at the nursing home.

adjective

Not physically or mentally strong, especially through age or illness.

The infirm man struggled to climb the stairs without assistance.

Weak; lacking firmness of character or purpose.

His infirm resolve led him to back down from the challenge.

Middle English 'inferm', from Latin 'infirmus' meaning 'weak, weak-minded, ill'.

infirmity of old age

A condition of being weak or ill due to advanced age.

infirm health

A state of poor physical condition.

infirmity

A physical weakness or ailment.

debilitate

To make someone weak or infirm.

Old-timer

He moves like an old-timer since he’s so infirm.

Gimpy

After the accident, he felt gimpy and infirm.