feeble 1 of 2

Definition of feeblenext

feebleness

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective feeble contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of feeble are decrepit, fragile, frail, infirm, and weak. While all these words mean "not strong enough to endure strain, pressure, or strenuous effort," feeble suggests extreme weakness inviting pity or contempt.

a feeble attempt to walk

When might decrepit be a better fit than feeble?

While the synonyms decrepit and feeble are close in meaning, decrepit implies being worn-out or broken-down from long use or old age.

the dowager's decrepit retainers

When would fragile be a good substitute for feeble?

The words fragile and feeble are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fragile suggests frailty and brittleness unable to resist rough usage.

a reclusive poet too fragile for the rigors of this world

When is it sensible to use frail instead of feeble?

While in some cases nearly identical to feeble, frail implies delicacy and slightness of constitution or structure.

a frail teenager unable to enjoy sports

When can infirm be used instead of feeble?

Although the words infirm and feeble have much in common, infirm suggests instability, unsoundness, and insecurity due to old age or crippling illness.

infirm residents requiring constant care

In what contexts can weak take the place of feeble?

The synonyms weak and feeble are sometimes interchangeable, but weak applies to deficiency or inferiority in strength or power of any sort.

felt weak after the surgery

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of feeble
Adjective
Lydia Romero strained to hear her husband’s feeble voice through the phone. Claudia Boyd-Barrett, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026 That said, international filmmaking is in feeble shape, partly because of the jambalaya of international co-productions, partly because of the inroads of television aesthetics, and partly because of the cloistered aestheticism of self-conscious art-house cinema. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 22 Jan. 2026
Noun
Signs of disease include warts on legs, crusty or swollen eyes, feebleness, a ruffled appearance, difficulty breathing, nasal discharge, and diarrhea. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026 When hair endures damage from styling treatments, color, or heat, the hair’s keratin composition can be compromised, leading to feebleness and a greater risk of breakage. Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 26 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for feeble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for feeble
Adjective
  • The United States is, to her knowledge, the only country maintaining such a ban for nearly a century via Section 307 of the 1930 Tariff Act—even in its weaker form with the domestic consumption loophole.
    Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Lessons from gold and small-caps The recent spike in oil prices has not resulted in spectacular gains for gold investors fueled by a weaker dollar, as was the case in 1973.
    Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 13 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The president's endorsement didn't clear the GOP crowded field to replace Greene — some observers cast that as a sign of weakness — but Fuller easily overcame other Republican contenders.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Some policy defenders contend that the labor market weakness reflects adjustments to immigration restrictions rather than fundamental economic failure, positioning this as a deliberate policy choice rather than an economic failure.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • If the Iranian regime survives in weakened form, Beijing will likely calibrate limited, deniable support while avoiding overcommitment.
    John Calabrese, The Conversation, 6 Mar. 2026
  • While most people recover fairly quickly from HMPV, people with weakened immune system or other medical conditions, or who are very young or old, are more likely to suffer serious illness, the Mayo Clinic said.
    Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 3 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Long work hours, overnight shifts, sleep disorders, and extended periods of driving can all contribute to exhaustion.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Holding the mic light in his hand, barely touching it, like a delicate flower, trying to hide the exhaustion in his voice.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • For all its public association with queerness, ballet remains largely committed to a frail, wispy femininity and a princely but muscular and explosive masculinity—with the stringent, often punishing body-shape standards to match.
    Chloe Angyal, Time, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Over time in 2025, Chandler and Webster said Acacio had started to appear frail and thin.
    Nathaniel Percy, Oc Register, 3 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • But for activities that involve roughly 90 minutes of continuous effort, according to Fray, rapid carbohydrate and electrolyte delivery can help delay fatigue.
    Marisa McMillan, Outside, 14 Mar. 2026
  • The wheels fell off in the game’s final minutes, with the Bulls’ lead ballooning to as many as 25 points and capitalizing on Charlotte’s fatigue.
    Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 14 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Feeble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/feeble. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

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