Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Lacking physical strength, force, or intensity: Describing something or someone that is weak, frail, or lacking in power.
   • Lacking effectiveness, vigor, or conviction: Describing an argument, effort, or excuse that is unconvincing, inadequate, or poorly executed.
   • Dim or faint: Describing a light, sound, or other sensory impression that is barely perceptible.

Usage Examples

• Describing physical weakness:
  • After his long illness, he could only manage a feeble handshake.
  • The feeble old man needed help to climb the stairs.
• Describing ineffectiveness or lack of force:
  • The politician's response to the crisis was feeble and unsatisfying.
  • She made a feeble attempt to explain her lateness.
• Describing something faint or dim:
  • A feeble light shone from the distant cottage window.

Advanced Usage

• "Feeble-minded" (adjective): Having less than average intelligence. (Note: This is a dated and potentially offensive term; "intellectually disabled" is the preferred modern term.)
  • The old law used the term "feeble-minded," which is no longer acceptable.
• "Feeble excuse" (noun phrase): An unconvincing or poor justification.
  • "The dog ate my homework" is the classic feeble excuse.

Variants and Related Words

• Feebly (adverb): In a weak or faint manner.
  • He protested feebly against the decision.
• Feebleness (noun): The state or quality of being feeble.
  • The feebleness of his argument was obvious to everyone.

Synonyms

• Weak: Lacking strength.
• Frail: Fragile, especially due to age or illness.
• Faint: Barely perceptible; lacking strength.
• Lame: Unconvincing or unsatisfactory (especially for an excuse or argument).
• Inadequate: Not sufficient or acceptable.

Antonyms

• Strong: Having great power or force.
• Robust: Strong and healthy; vigorous.
• Powerful: Having great strength, influence, or effect.
• Convincing: Capable of causing someone to believe that something is true or real.
• Forceful: Strong and assertive; vigorous.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Damning with faint praise": To praise so weakly that it implies criticism.
  • Saying the meal was "not terrible" is damning it with faint praise. (This idiom uses "faint," a synonym for "feeble," to describe inadequate praise.)

Adjective

1. lacking strength
   • a weak, nerveless fool, devoid of energy and promptitude- Nathaniel Hawthorne
2. lacking bodily or muscular strength or vitality
   • a feeble old woman
   • her body looked sapless
3. lacking strength or vigor
   • damning with faint praise
   • faint resistance
   • feeble efforts
   • a feeble voice
4. pathetically lacking in force or effectiveness
   • a feeble excuse
   • a lame argument