feeble

adjective

fee·​ble ˈfē-bəl How to pronounce feeble (audio)
1
a
: markedly lacking in strength
a feeble old man
b
: indicating weakness
taking only feeble steps
2
a
: deficient in qualities or resources that indicate vigor, authority, force, or efficiency
a feeble argument
cities are growing uncreative and feebleJane Jacobs
b
: inadequate, inferior
a feeble excuse
feebleness noun
feebly adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for feeble

weak, feeble, frail, fragile, infirm, decrepit mean not strong enough to endure strain, pressure, or strenuous effort.

weak applies to deficiency or inferiority in strength or power of any sort.

felt weak after the surgery

feeble suggests extreme weakness inviting pity or contempt.

a feeble attempt to walk

frail implies delicacy and slightness of constitution or structure.

a frail teenager unable to enjoy sports

fragile suggests frailty and brittleness unable to resist rough usage.

a reclusive poet too fragile for the rigors of this world

infirm suggests instability, unsoundness, and insecurity due to old age or disabling illness.

infirm residents requiring constant care

decrepit implies being worn-out or broken-down from long use or old age.

the dowager's decrepit retainers

Examples of feeble in a Sentence

She's still feeble from her long illness. We heard a feeble cry for help. Business is suffering because of the feeble economy. He made a feeble attempt to explain his behavior. He offered a feeble excuse for his behavior. “Dislike” is too feeble a word for how she feels about him.
Recent Examples on the Web This is a feeble response given the magnitude of the problem. The Editors, National Review, 2 Feb. 2024 But Sinner made Djokovic look a bit feeble in Rod Laver Arena, establishing himself as a solid favorite in the final matchup against a depleted Medvedev. Dan Wolken, USA TODAY, 28 Jan. 2024 The British blamed the Chinese for being corrupt and mentally feeble. Arun A.k., Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2024 Congressional sources say that a year ago, only a feeble resistance to reauthorizing the surveillance was anticipated. Dell Cameron, WIRED, 12 Feb. 2024 Bukele is embarking on a second five-year stint in office where his power will be paramount, the country’s legislature a rubber stamp for the agenda of the executive and the opposition a feeble shadow. Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, 6 Feb. 2024 Blood flows darkly and scenes are lighted by flame: a raging fire on the field as Ludvig and his outlaw workers burn the heather, blazing candelabras illuminating an intimidating manor dinner, feeble lamplight beating back the foggy night as Ludvig battles the dirt with his bare hands. Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 2 Feb. 2024 Blood flows darkly and scenes are lit by flame: a raging fire on the field as Ludvig and his outlaw workers burn the heather; blazing candelabras illuminating an intimidating manor dinner; feeble lamplight beating back the foggy night as Ludvig battles the dirt with his bare hands. Katie Walsh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Feb. 2024 The main challenge in studying exoplanets is that light from the host star overwhelms the feeble light reflected from the planet’s surface. Dan Falk, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'feeble.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of feeble was in the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near feeble

Cite this Entry

“Feeble.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feeble. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

feeble

adjective
fee·​ble ˈfē-bəl How to pronounce feeble (audio)
feebler -b(ə-)lər How to pronounce feeble (audio) ; feeblest -b(ə-)ləst How to pronounce feeble (audio)
1
: lacking in strength or endurance
2
: not forceful or loud
a feeble cry
a feeble attempt
feebleness noun
feebly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on feeble

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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