feeble

/'fi:bl/
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feeble

An elderly woman takes a feeble step with her cane.

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.)
feeble

An elderly woman takes a feeble step with her cane.

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

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