adj
senile
SEE-nyl
adj
1
Showing mental decline associated with old age, such as memory loss or confusion.
"Her grandfather has become increasingly senile over the past year."
2
Relating to old age generally.
"The condition causes senile changes in the skin."
How to Use Senile
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes mental decline that comes with advanced age.
Common mistake
Considered blunt or even offensive when used casually about a person; medical contexts prefer terms like "dementia" or "cognitive decline."
When to use it
Increasingly avoided in polite or clinical usage due to its dismissive tone.
Word Forms
more senile comparative, seniles plural, most senile superlative
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Her grandfather has become increasingly _____ over the past year.
Etymology
From French sénile, from Latin senīlis, "of old age," from senex, "old man."