OpenSynonym

caducity

/kəˈdjuːsɪti/

NOUN

1. The condition of being old, decrepit, or mentally weakened

The state of advanced age, especially when accompanied by physical weakness, declining faculties, or mental deterioration.

1.1. Old age and declining physical condition

The condition of being very old and experiencing physical weakness, frailty, or deterioration associated with aging.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The philosopher wrote about the caducity of the human body in old age.
  • His declining strength reflected the physical caducity associated with advanced years.

Related Words

1.2. Mental deterioration in old age

The condition of mental decline or loss of intellectual faculties associated with advanced age.

Synonyms

  • senility
  • dotage
  • anility
  • second childhood

Antonyms

  • mental sharpness
  • alertness
  • lucidity

Examples

  • The historical writer used caducity to describe the mental decline of extreme old age.
  • The character's increasing forgetfulness was portrayed as a sign of caducity.

Related Words

  • cognitive decline
  • forgetfulness
  • dementia
  • memory loss
  • mental impairment

NOUN

2. The state of being impermanent or transitory

The condition of being temporary, fleeting, or subject to eventual disappearance, decay, or loss.

2.1. Impermanence and transience

The quality of existing only temporarily or being subject to inevitable change, decline, or disappearance.

Synonyms

  • transience
  • transitoriness
  • impermanence
  • ephemerality
  • evanescence
  • fleetingness

Antonyms

Examples

  • The philosopher reflected on the caducity of worldly possessions.
  • The fading flowers reminded her of the caducity of beauty and life.

Related Words