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Frailty in Irish (Leochaileacht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘leochaileacht’ also means: vulnerability

The Irish for frailty is leochaileacht, a feminine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “frailty” in Irish

Irish:
leochaileacht
English:
frailty, vulnerability
Word type:
noun
Gender:
feminine
Pronunciation:
“LYOH-khil-ukht”  /ˈlʲoːxəlʲəxt̪ˠ/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
leochaileachta, na leochaileachta (e.g. de bharr a leochaileachta, because of her frailty)

What does “leochaileacht” mean?

“Leochaileacht” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

frailty
The state of being weak, delicate or easily broken or hurt.Also: fragility, frailness, delicacy, weakness.
1 other meaning: vulnerability
2vulnerability
The state of being easily affected, hurt or harmed, physically or emotionally.Also: susceptibility, tenderness, sensitivity.

“Leochaileacht” with the article

Here is leochaileacht after the article (an t-alt).

an leochaileacht
the frailty
No change after an

“Leochaileacht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using leochaileacht, the Irish word for frailty.

Bhí leochaileacht ina guth nuair a labhair sí.
There was a fragility in her voice when she spoke.
Chuir leochaileacht an tseanfhir imní orainn.
The old man's frailty worried us.
Thuig sé a leochaileacht féin den chéad uair.
He understood his own vulnerability for the first time.
Is comhartha leochaileachta é sin, dar leis.
That is a sign of weakness, in his view.
Ná bíodh náire ort faoi do leochaileacht.
Don't be ashamed of your vulnerability.
Tá leochaileacht an éiceachórais ag cur isteach ar eolaithe.
The fragility of the ecosystem is troubling scientists.
Léirigh an tinneas a leochaileacht dó.
The illness showed him how frail he was.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Frailty in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for frailty?

The Irish for frailty is leochaileacht (pronounced “LYOH-khil-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean vulnerability.

How do you pronounce leochaileacht in Irish?

Leochaileacht is said like “LYOH-khil-ukht” (IPA /ˈlʲoːxəlʲəxt̪ˠ/).

Does leochaileacht have a plural?

No plural form is given for leochaileacht in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does leochaileacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Leochaileacht can mean frailty or vulnerability, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How does leochaileacht relate to leochaileach?

Leochaileacht is the abstract noun from the adjective leochaileach, meaning frail or delicate: duine leochaileach, a frail person.

Is leochaileacht the same as laige?

Laige is general weakness, while leochaileacht stresses delicacy and being easily broken or hurt.

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