feeble

fee·ble

adjective \ˈfē-bəl\

fee·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ fee·blest \-b(ə-)ləst\

Definition of FEEBLE

1

a : markedly lacking in strength

b : indicating weakness

2

a : deficient in qualities or resources that indicate vigor, authority, force, or efficiency

b : inadequate, inferior

— fee·ble·ness \-bəl-nəs\ noun

— fee·bly \-blē\ adverb

Examples of FEEBLE

1. She's still feeble from her long illness.
2. We heard a feeble cry for help.
3. Business is suffering because of the feeble economy.
4. He made a feeble attempt to explain his behavior.
5. He offered a feeble excuse for his behavior.
6. “Dislike” is too feeble a word for how she feels about him.

Origin of FEEBLE

Middle English feble, from Anglo-French, from Latin flebilis lamentable, wretched, from flēre to weep — more at bleat

First Known Use: 12th century

Related to FEEBLE

Synonyms

asthenic, debilitated, delicate, down-and-out, effete, enervated, enfeebled, faint, weak, frail, infirm, languid, low, prostrate, prostrated, sapped, slight, soft, softened, tender, unsubstantial, wasted, weakened, wimpish, wimpy

Antonyms

mighty, powerful, rugged, stalwart, stout, strong

Related Words

challenged, disabled, incapacitated, invalid; paralyzed; broken-down, decrepit; impotent, powerless; breakable, flimsy, fragile; dizzy, groggy, rocky, unsteady, woozy; drained, exhausted, flagging, tired, weary, worn-out; damaged, harmed, hurt, impaired, injured, lame, unsound; resistless, susceptible, unresistant, vulnerable, yielding

Near Antonyms

able-bodied, athletic, beefy, brawny, fit, husky, muscular, sinewy, strapping, virile; hard, hardy, lusty, red-blooded, robust, sturdy, tough; fortified, hardened, inured, strengthened, toughened; energetic, energized, invigorated, vigorous, vitalized; hale, healthy, sound; capable, competent; convalescing, recovering, recuperating

See Synonym Discussion at weak