as in to weaken
to diminish the physical strength of
the heart surgery debilitated the college athlete beyond his worst fears
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in deterioration
a gradual sinking and wasting away of mind or body
the debilitation that all the prisoners of war had experienced during their captivity
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in weakness
the quality or state of lacking physical strength or vigor
attributed the patient's general debilitation to an iron deficiency
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of debilitate
Jorge L. Ortiz, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
Price, 38, has not played since April 2022, as a debilitating knee injury has ended his remarkable career, which could culminate in his election to the Hockey Hall of Fame as soon as next year.
—Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2025
In 2020, she was diagnosed with Lyme disease after months of debilitating fatigue, brain fog, and memory loss.
—Stephan Rabimov, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
The budget passed without the financially debilitating $200 million loan necessary to cover the pension payment.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for debilitate
Verb
Griffin, who does clinical work in Long Island, New York, said his sister-in-law is in her 40s and quite wary of long COVID, the enduring, debilitating health issues that have afflicted millions of Americans who contracted the coronavirus.
—Jorge L. Ortiz, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
Price, 38, has not played since April 2022, as a debilitating knee injury has ended his remarkable career, which could culminate in his election to the Hockey Hall of Fame as soon as next year.
—Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2025
In 2020, she was diagnosed with Lyme disease after months of debilitating fatigue, brain fog, and memory loss.
—Stephan Rabimov, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
The budget passed without the financially debilitating $200 million loan necessary to cover the pension payment.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for debilitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debilitate
Verb
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The Federal Reserve is closely watching spending trends as policymakers debate a path for interest rate cuts — with the first trim expected Wednesday — but signs of a weakening labor market loom over the economy.—
semafor.com,
semafor.com,
19 Sep. 2025
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While the greenback has depreciated against other major currencies this year, with the dollar index tumbling over 10%, those currencies have also weakened in value relative to gold, Dalio said, noting that gold has become the second largest reserve currency globally.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
19 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Biglari was particularly critical of the company’s store-level deterioration.—
Lily Mae Lazarus,
Fortune,
18 Sep. 2025
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While StubHub stock could rise at the IPO – especially if the offering is oversubscribed – consumer backlash, regulatory pressure, competitive threats, and profitability deterioration make $STUB particularly risky.—
Peter Cohan,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The Anglo-Saxons, who have been given the multiracial treatment by the BBC’s casting directors, are squabbling natives whose weakness invites foreign interference.—
Will Collins,
The Washington Examiner,
19 Sep. 2025
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The amendment’s most glaring weakness lies in Section 4, which addresses presidential incapacity when the president cannot or will not acknowledge their disability.—
Lynn Schmidt,
Twin Cities,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Cessna said the 6,756-yard course continues to evolve in subtle ways, softening certain parts for higher-handicap golfers, while ratcheting up the challenges elsewhere.—
Greg Mellen,
Oc Register,
19 Sep. 2025
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Many buyers aren’t likely to immediately face that price tag since carriers typically offer trade-in deals and payment plans to soften the blow.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
19 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Inflammation can cause vascular disease — the narrowing, weakening or even blockage of blood vessels — that can damage organs such as the kidneys, lungs, liver and of course the brain.—
Sandee LaMotte,
CNN Money,
15 Sep. 2025
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Hurricane center forecasters said additional weakening is expected during the next few days, with Kiko moving toward the west-northwest around 14 mph.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The Competitive Advantage Of Mentally Healthy Leadership Symptoms of leadership burnout can include fatigue, decreased cognitive function and emotional exhaustion.—
Kumar Abhishek Narayan,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
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Sashay’s other trademark, beyond the glasses and the perpetual sense of exhaustion, is her endearing, distinctively scratchy voice.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The shadow of death and debility haunted American women throughout the nineteenth century.—
Jenny Noyce,
JSTOR Daily,
28 June 2024
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President Biden’s troubles — lingering inflation, wars and rumors of wars, his debility — could have benefited any Republican.—
David Harsanyi,
National Review,
25 Jan. 2024
Noun
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Both women opened up their seasons with monstrous times, with no sign of post-Olympic fatigue.—
Katelyn Hutchison,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
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Physical and psychological illnesses including depression, anxiety, fatigue and oral health issues were also tied to later eating.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
13 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Debilitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debilitate. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
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