noun

senility

suh-NIH-lih-tee

Senility (noun) means the mental and physical decline that can come with old age. Example: “The novel is a moving portrait of senility and memory loss.”

noun

The mental and physical decline that can come with old age.

"The novel is a moving portrait of senility and memory loss."

How to use senility

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe state of experiencing age-related mental decline.

When to use it

A somewhat dated or blunt term; "dementia" is now the more common clinical word.

Easily confused with

senescence → dementia →

Word forms

senilities plural

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The novel is a moving portrait of _____ and memory loss.

Etymology

Formed from senile plus the noun-forming suffix -ity.

Synonyms

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dotage dementia senescence decrepitude

Related words

aging dementia decrepitude dotage senescence rejuvenate senile

Rhymes for senility

city pity deity acuity parity entity brevity opacity paucity ability quality reality

See all rhymes for senility →

Frequently asked questions

What does “senility” mean?

The word “senility” means the mental and physical decline that can come with old age. In plain terms, the state of experiencing age-related mental decline.

How do you pronounce “senility”?

“Senility” is pronounced suh-NIH-lih-tee (/səˈnɪlɪti/ in IPA).

How do you use “senility” in a sentence?

Here is “senility” used in a sentence: “The novel is a moving portrait of senility and memory loss.”

What part of speech is “senility”?

“Senility” is a noun.

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aging dementia decrepitude dotage senescence rejuvenate senile