feeble

adjective

fee·​ble ˈfē-bəl 

feebler ˈfē-b(ə-)lər  ; feeblest ˈfē-b(ə-)ləst 

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 feeble

—Jane Jacobs

b

: inadequate, inferior

a feeble excuse

feebleness

ˈfē-bəl-nəs 

noun

feebly

ˈfē-blē 

adverb

Synonyms

• weak
• weakened
• frail

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 good spot for them, though, as Josh Allen will have a lot of time against a feeble Patriots pass rush, and some people might think the Patriots’ 42-13 win over the Panthers actually means something. —Vic Tafur, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025

In this scheme, free will was feeble, and sin could be blamed on dark forces inhabiting the body. —Shai Tubali, Big Think, 30 Sep. 2025

Sure, Harris is right that presidential campaigns are grueling and a feeble, elderly man was not up to the task. —Matt Fleming, Oc Register, 28 Sep. 2025

Without electrification, Simpliciano said, renewable targets run the risk of being feeble and ineffective, with brands potentially turning to biomass and other problematic substitutions as stopgap measures. —Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 25 Sep. 2025

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

Phrases Containing feeble

• feeble-minded
• feeble-mindedly
• feeble-mindedness

Kids Definition

feeble

adjective

fee·​ble ˈfē-bəl 

feebler -b(ə-)lər  ; feeblest -b(ə-)ləst 

1

: lacking in strength or endurance

2

: not forceful or loud

a feeble cry

a feeble attempt

feebleness

-bəl-nəs 

noun

feebly

-blē 

adverb