feeble

adjective fee·ble \ ˈfē-bəl \

Definition of feeble

feebler play \ˈfē-b(ə-)lər\; feeblest play \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

play \ˈfē-bəl-nəs\ noun

—

feebly

play \ˈfē-blē\ adverb

See feeble defined for English-language learners

See feeble defined for kids

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 Royals (64-64) were shut out for a second straight game, resembling the feeble offensive unit from the month of April.

— rustin dodd, kansascity, "Royals are shut out for second straight night, fall 4-0 to the Indians," 26 Aug. 2017
Banks will improve a feeble passing attack that ranked last nationally in passing efficiency a year ago.

— jeff duncan, NOLA.com, "How many wins for Tulane this season? The crystal ball says ...," 25 Aug. 2017
Making your point by personally attacking your opponent is the sign of a feeble mind.

— christine m. flowers, Philly.com, "Even as a statue, Rizzo has staying power," 24 Aug. 2017
After a feeble run for mayor in 1939, White left town, winding up at the Los Angeles Examiner in the ‘50s.

— logan jenkins, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Solar eclipse in San Diego opened the window for Sun's Pulitzer," 17 Aug. 2017
Franzen noted in another blog post that the Army Corps of Engineers' feeble response to the threat posed by an invasion of the Great Lakes by the voracious Asian carp may be inadequate.

— milwaukee, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Real Time newsletter for Aug. 15," 14 Aug. 2017
Large chunks of the regulatory state — like the National Labor Relations Board or the Securities and Exchange Commission — now function only intermittently, turning feeble when Republicans control the Executive branch.

— jonathan chait, Daily Intelligencer, "Obama’s Legacy Is Finally Coming Into Focus, Thanks to Trump," 1 Aug. 2017
Unions are skeptical, saying the report is a feeble response to inequity.

— The Christian Science Monitor, "Economy," 12 July 2017
But older adults who want to dispel notions of becoming feeble have growing ranks to emulate.

— sharon jayson, Washington Post, "Want to slow down your aging process? Mind-set can be key, oldest seniors say.," 2 July 2017

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

feeble Synonyms

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

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

FEEBLE Defined for English Language Learners

feeble

adjective

Definition of feeble for English Language Learners

: very weak
: not good enough : not successful or effective

FEEBLE Defined for Kids

feeble

adjective fee·ble \ ˈfē-bəl \

Definition of feeble for Students

feebler \-blər\; feeblest \-bləst\

1 :lacking in strength or endurance

a feeble old dog

2 :not effective or sufficient

a feeble attempt

Her feeble cry could not be heard.

—

feebleness

\-bəl-nəs\ noun

—

feebly

\-blē\ adverb

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Examples of feeble in a Sentence

Recent Examples of feeble from the Web

Origin and Etymology of feeble

feeble Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

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Synonym Discussion of feeble

FEEBLE Defined for English Language Learners

feeble

Definition of feeble for English Language Learners

FEEBLE Defined for Kids

feeble

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