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Meaning & use

feeble

adjective·Academic

Last updated

UK/ˈfiːbl/
US/ˈfibl/

Meanings

  1. adjectivecomparable

    Lacking physical strength, often because of age or illness.

    Grammar: Used for people or their voices and limbs: a feeble old man, a feeble grip.

    Patterns

    • feeble with age
    • a feeble voice

    The old dog grew feeble over the winter.

    Her voice was feeble after the illness.

    He gave a feeble wave from his bed.

  2. adjectivecomparabledisapproving

    Not good enough, convincing, or effective.

    Grammar: Describes arguments, attempts, and excuses: a feeble excuse.

    Patterns

    • a feeble excuse
    • a feeble attempt

    His excuse for being late was feeble.

    The team made a feeble attempt to score.

    She offered a feeble apology.

  3. adjectivecomparable

    Giving very little light, sound, or force.

    Grammar: Used with things like lights or signals: a feeble light.

    Patterns

    • a feeble light
    • a feeble signal

    A feeble light shone in the window.

    The radio picked up only a feeble signal.

    The fire gave a feeble glow.

Word forms

comparativefeebler
superlativefeeblest

Common combinations

feeble excuse
Forgetting your keys is a feeble excuse.
feeble attempt
It was a feeble attempt at humor.
feeble voice
She spoke in a feeble voice.
feeble light
A feeble light flickered in the hall.
feeble minded
The term feeble minded is now offensive and outdated.

Synonyms and how they differ

weak
Weak is the general word, and feeble sounds more pitiful or contemptuous.
frail
Frail suggests delicate, easily broken health, and is more sympathetic than feeble.
lame
Lame is informal for an unconvincing excuse, and can be offensive in other uses, so feeble is safer.
puny
Puny suggests small and unimpressive, mostly about size or effort.

Opposites

strongrobust

Word family

feebly adverb
in a weak way
feebleness noun
the state of being weak
enfeeble verb
to make weak
enfeebled adjective
made weak

Commonly confused: feeble or feeble-minded?

feeble vs feeble-minded

This old compound is considered offensive today and should be avoided.

Practice

Which phrase best describes a feeble excuse?

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