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Meaning & use

feeble attempt

phrase·Everydaydisapproving

Last updated

UK/ˈfiːbl əˈtempt/
US/ˈfiːbl əˈtempt/
Usage warning: this word is disapproving. It shows a negative opinion, so take care with who and what you use it about.

Meanings

  1. phrasecountabledisapproving

    A weak or unsuccessful effort to do something, often one that is not taken seriously.

    Grammar: Countable phrase: 'a feeble attempt', 'feeble attempts'. Often followed by 'at' + noun/-ing or 'to' + infinitive.

    Patterns

    • a feeble attempt at something
    • a feeble attempt to do something
    • make a feeble attempt

    His feeble attempt at an apology only made her angrier.

    The company made a feeble attempt to fix the problem before the deadline.

    She gave a feeble attempt to smile, but her eyes showed she was upset.

  2. phrasecountable

    A physically weak or half-hearted try, especially when someone lacks strength or energy.

    Grammar: Can describe a physical action: a feeble attempt to stand, a feeble attempt to lift.

    Patterns

    • a feeble attempt to stand
    • a feeble attempt at lifting something

    The injured bird made a feeble attempt to fly.

    He made a feeble attempt to get out of bed after the surgery.

Word forms

pluralfeeble attempts

Common combinations

feeble attempt at humor
His feeble attempt at humor fell flat.
feeble attempt to escape
The prisoner made a feeble attempt to escape.
feeble attempt at a smile
She gave a feeble attempt at a smile.
make a feeble attempt
They made a feeble attempt to clean up the mess.

Synonyms and how they differ

weak attempt
Very similar, but 'weak' is more neutral and can describe strength; 'feeble' adds a sense of pity or disapproval.
half-hearted attempt
Focuses on lack of enthusiasm rather than lack of strength or skill.
poor effort
More general and often used in sports or school; 'feeble attempt' is more critical and slightly literary.

Opposites

strong attemptdetermined effort

Word family

feeble adjective
Weak, lacking strength or effectiveness.
feebly adverb
In a weak or ineffective way.
attempt noun
An act of trying to do something.

Commonly confused: feeble attempt or fable?

feeble attempt vs fable

A 'fable' is a short story with a moral; 'feeble' sounds similar but means weak.

Practice

The team made a ______ attempt to score in the final minute, but the ball went wide.

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