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