debilitate
What does "debilitate" mean?
To debilitate means to make someone or something weak, infirm, or incapacitated. Imagine a structure losing its foundation or a person being drained of all their energy by a long-term illness; the word implies a gradual loss of strength or effectiveness that makes it difficult to function normally. This term is most commonly used in formal or academic contexts, particularly when discussing health, economics, or systemic issues. It is a strong, precise word that suggests a significant impairment rather than just a minor inconvenience. You will often see it used in phrases like "a debilitating disease" or "debilitating debt."
"debilitate" in conversation
Discussing a missed deadline
I’m so sorry I missed the meeting, the flu has been completely debilitating.
I’m so sorry I missed the meeting, the flu has been completely debilitating.
No worries at all! Just focus on resting up.
No worries at all! Just focus on resting up.
Used here to emphasize the severity of the illness.
Economic analysis
The inflation rate is starting to debilitate the local economy.
The inflation rate is starting to debilitate the local economy.
Does that mean we should expect higher unemployment?
Does that mean we should expect higher unemployment?
Shows the word used in a formal, systemic context.
"debilitate" in a sentence
The heat began to debilitate the hikers.
The heat began to debilitate the hikers.
A chronic injury can debilitate even the most talented athletes.
A chronic injury can debilitate even the most talented athletes.
The nation faced a debilitating crisis that crippled its infrastructure for years.
The nation faced a debilitating crisis that crippled its infrastructure for years.
