adjective
senile
SEE-nyle/ˈsiːnaɪl/
Relating to decline in old age, especially in mental ability.
The woman's senile frailty makes rising from the armchair difficult.
Etymology
The pieces originally described anything characteristic of old age, not specifically decline. The meaning later narrowed to the mental or physical weakness associated with aging.
In context
Grandma's getting old. It's normal to have a bad memory. Yes, I am getting old. But I'm not senile!
More examples
- Occasional forgetfulness does not mean you are senile.
- The old medical record lists senile dementia as the diagnosis.
- He objects to being called senile simply because he is old.
Forms
senile
senility noun — Mental or physical decline in old age.
Similar words
- forgetful
- Describes memory lapses, not necessarily broader decline from aging.
- infirm
- Emphasizes physical weakness rather than loss of mental ability.