feeble

play

adjective fee·ble \ˈfē-bəl\

Definition of feeble

feebler

play \ˈfē-b(ə-)lər\;

feeblest

play \ˈfē-b(ə-)ləst\

1a : markedly lacking in strength a feeble old manb : indicating weakness taking only feeble steps
2a : deficient in qualities or resources that indicate vigor, authority, force, or efficiency a feeble argument cities are growing uncreative and feeble — Jane Jacobsb : inadequate, inferior a feeble excuse

feebleness

play \ˈfē-bəl-nəs\ noun

feebly

play \ˈfē-blē\ adverb

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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 of feeble from the Web

The offense looked feeble against Cardinals starter Mike Leake.

— andy mccullough, latimes.com, "Rusty Rich Hill struggles in return — a 6-1 loss to Cardinals", 24 May 2017
Plus, the beep the machine makes when the water reaches the target temperature is feeble enough to be mistaken for a faraway bird.

— joe ray, WIRED, "Review: Oliso Smart Hub & Top Sous Vide System", 26 Mar. 2015

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'feeble'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of feeble

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

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First Known Use: 12th century

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of 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 crippling 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