fault implies a failure, not necessarily culpable, to reach some standard of perfection in disposition, action, or habit.
a writer of many virtues and few faults
failing suggests a minor shortcoming in character.
being late is a failing of mine
frailty implies a general or chronic proneness to yield to temptation.
human frailties
foible applies to a harmless or endearing weakness or idiosyncrasy.
an eccentric's charming foibles
vice can be a general term for any imperfection or weakness, but it often suggests violation of a moral code or the giving of offense to the moral sensibilities of others.
compulsive gambling was his vice
Example Sentences
the frailty of her voice We can no longer be surprised by the frailties of our political leaders.
Recent Examples on the WebAfterwards, caretaker manager Danny Stone — an assistant who stepped in with manager Juan Guerra out due to an agreement with Oakland, his former club — blamed Rising’s defensive frailty on its offensive carelessness. Theo Mackie, The Arizona Republic, 10 Sep. 2022 Toward the end of the queen’s life, Charles took on more of her duties, as a function of the queen’s increasing frailty but also, commentators said, as a way to prepare the public for his looming reign. Alexander Smith, NBC News, 8 Sep. 2022 Is this a product of the shadow banking systems frailty or is this completely separate? Jesse Eisinger, ProPublica, 5 Aug. 2022 His frailty and struggle serve as an inspiration for others, sympathetic scars and all. Gen Handley, SPIN, 31 July 2022 But seeing Francis in his increasing frailty and advancing old age was very much a point of his visit. Jason Horowitz, BostonGlobe.com, 28 July 2022 Pope Francis spoke at his General Audience on Wednesday about the effects of old age, elderly frailty and the virtue of helplessness.Fox News, 22 June 2022 Other people, however, chose to live in a retirement community out of concern for their safety due to increasing frailty and generally deteriorating health. Adi Gaskell, Forbes, 26 May 2022 During his six days in Canada, Francis had moments both of sturdiness and frailty. Chico Harlan, Washington Post, 30 July 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle English frelete, freelte, borrowed from Anglo-French freleté, going back to Latin fragilitāt-, fragilitās, from fragilis "liable to break, weak, fragile" + -itāt-, -itās-ity