Infirmity vs. Sickness: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Infirmity refers to a state of physical or mental weakness, often due to age or chronic conditions, while sickness generally denotes a temporary state of being ill or unhealthy.
Key Differences
Infirmity typically implies a chronic or persistent state of physical or mental weakness, often associated with old age or a long-standing condition. It suggests a lack of strength or robustness in health. Sickness, on the other hand, is more commonly used to refer to a temporary condition of being unwell, such as having a cold, flu, or other illnesses.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
The term infirmity often carries a connotation of permanence or long-term struggle, suggesting a condition that affects one’s ability to perform daily activities. It is more likely to be used in contexts discussing elderly care or chronic disability. In contrast, sickness is often viewed as a temporary and recoverable state, implying a disruption of normal health that can be resolved or cured.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
While infirmity can encompass a broad range of physical or mental limitations, it is typically associated with the aging process or with conditions that deteriorate over time. Sickness can affect individuals of any age and is generally not limited to chronic conditions or the elderly. It is a more general term for any kind of health ailment.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Infirmity is often used in legal and medical contexts to describe a state of health that may require ongoing care or accommodation. It suggests a vulnerability or reduced capacity in health. Sickness, however, is a more common term in everyday language and is used to describe a wide range of health problems, from minor to severe.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
In summary, while infirmity refers to a long-term or permanent state of physical or mental weakness, often related to aging or chronic illness, sickness is a broader term that typically refers to temporary illnesses or health disturbances that can affect anyone at any age.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A state of physical or mental weakness, often chronic.
A temporary condition of being unwell or ill.
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Nov 29, 2023
Associated Age Group
Often associated with older adults.
Can affect any age group.
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Nov 29, 2023
Context of Use
Legal, medical, and care-related.
General health and everyday language.
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Nov 29, 2023
Implication
Suggests chronic limitation or disability.
Implies a health disturbance that is resolvable.
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Nov 29, 2023
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Infirmity and Sickness Definitions
Infirmity
Weakness or ailment that reduces physical or mental capacities.
She adapted her home to accommodate her physical infirmity.
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Nov 29, 2023
Sickness
The feeling or condition of physical or mental unwellness.
His sickness was apparent from his pale complexion.
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Nov 29, 2023
Infirmity
A physical or mental weakness or disability.
His infirmity made it difficult for him to walk long distances.
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Nov 29, 2023
Sickness
The state of being ill or unwell.
She took a day off due to sickness.
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Nov 29, 2023
Infirmity
The condition of being infirm, often as associated with old age; weakness or frailty
The infirmity brought on by the disease.
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Oct 19, 2023
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Sickness
A condition of nausea or the urge to vomit.
Morning sickness is common during the first trimester of pregnancy.
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Nov 29, 2023
Sickness
A general term for illness or poor health.
Health insurance policies cover a variety of sicknesses.
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Nov 29, 2023
Infirmity
Weakness of resolution or character
The infirmity inherent in human nature.
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Oct 19, 2023
Infirmity
A moral failing or defect in character
The infirmities and depravities of corrupt nobles.
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Oct 19, 2023
Infirmity
The state of being infirm; feebleness; an imperfection or weakness; esp., an unsound, unhealthy, or debilitated state; a disease; a malady; as, infirmity of body or mind.
'T is the infirmity of his age.
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Oct 19, 2023
Infirmity
A personal frailty or failing; foible; eccentricity; a weakness or defect.
Will you be cured of your infirmity ?
A friend should bear his friend's infirmities.
The house has also its infirmities.
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Oct 19, 2023
Infirmity
The state of being weak in health or body (especially from old age)
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Oct 19, 2023
Sickness
(linguistics) The analogical misuse of a rarer or marked grammatical case in the place of a more common or unmarked case.
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Oct 19, 2023
Infirmity
The state of being weak in health or body, especially from old age.
The infirmity of old age was evident in her slow movements.
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Nov 29, 2023
Sickness
The quality or state of being sick or diseased; illness; sisease or malady.
I do lament the sickness of the king.
Trust not too much your now resistless charms;Those, age or sickness soon or late disarms.
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Oct 19, 2023
Infirmity
A lasting health condition that limits one’s abilities.
Despite his infirmity, he maintained a positive outlook.
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Nov 29, 2023
Infirmity
Chronic impairment of health or physical or mental strength.
His life was a testament to overcoming infirmity with resilience.
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Nov 29, 2023
Sickness
Impairment of normal physiological function affecting part or all of an organism
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Oct 19, 2023
Sickness
A particular disease or ailment.
The doctor diagnosed the sickness as bronchitis.
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Nov 29, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is infirmity?
A state of being weak or disabled, especially due to age or chronic illness.
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Nov 29, 2023
Are the elderly more prone to infirmity?
Yes, infirmity is commonly associated with older age.
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Nov 29, 2023
Is sickness always serious?
It can range from mild to severe, depending on the illness.
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Nov 29, 2023
Is infirmity a type of disability?
It can be considered a form of physical or mental disability.
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Nov 29, 2023
What does sickness mean?
A general term for being unwell or ill, often temporarily.
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Nov 29, 2023
Can children experience sickness?
Yes, sickness can affect individuals of any age.
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Nov 29, 2023
Can lifestyle changes help with infirmity?
Healthy habits can mitigate some effects of infirmity.
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Nov 29, 2023
Can infirmity be cured?
It often refers to chronic conditions that may not be curable.
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Nov 29, 2023
How long does sickness usually last?
The duration can vary from a few days to several weeks.
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Nov 29, 2023
Does infirmity affect mental health?
It can include mental weaknesses or cognitive impairments.
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Nov 29, 2023
Is infirmity always age-related?
Not always, but it's commonly linked with aging.
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Nov 29, 2023
Can infirmity be psychological?
Yes, it includes mental and psychological weaknesses.
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Nov 29, 2023
How can one prevent sickness?
Through good hygiene, healthy living, and vaccinations.
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Nov 29, 2023
What's the most common type of sickness?
Common colds and flu are frequent forms of sickness.
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Nov 29, 2023
Can medication treat sickness?
Yes, many types of sickness are treatable with medication.
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Nov 29, 2023
Is rest important for recovering from sickness?
Yes, rest is crucial for recovery.
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Nov 29, 2023
Are there support services for infirmity?
Yes, various support services exist for chronic conditions.
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Nov 29, 2023
Does infirmity impact daily living?
Yes, it can significantly affect daily activities and independence.
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Nov 29, 2023
Is nutrition important in managing sickness?
Proper nutrition is vital for health and recovery from sickness.
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Nov 29, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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