a feeble attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a feeble attempt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an effort that is weak, ineffective, or lacking in strength or determination. Example: "His presentation was a feeble attempt to convince the board of the project's viability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No, a feeble attempt at three points was the result.

The Guardian - Sport

She made a feeble attempt to cut her wrists.

The New York Times

"This is a feeble attempt at crisis management," Mr. Chester said.

The New York Times

Cheesecake is a feeble attempt, and the apple strudel in cold and leathery.

The New York Times - Food

The parties, Ms. Kavanaugh said, "are a feeble attempt to keep my addiction going".

The New York Times

The game makes a feeble attempt to simulate the temptations and lifestyles of a real athlete.

The New York Times - Arts

But the effort was denounced by privacy advocates as a feeble attempt at crisis management.

The New York Times

I had hastily bought it at a grocery store as a feeble attempt to offer her something special.

The New York Times

This is real censorship, not a feeble attempt by a few teenagers to prevent their peers using trigger words.

The Guardian - Opinion

When this failed to elicit the response he was looking for, he made a feeble attempt at blackmail.

The New York Times - Magazine

15 mins:John Arne Riise squanders possession with a feeble attempt to dribble around Gennaro Gattuso deep in Milan territroy.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a feeble attempt", ensure the context clearly conveys the sense of weakness or ineffectiveness you intend. This phrase is most impactful when highlighting a contrast between the intended goal and the insufficient effort made.

Common error

Avoid using "a feeble attempt" in highly formal or academic writing where a more neutral or objective description of an effort might be more appropriate. Consider using phrases like "an inadequate effort" or "a limited attempt" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a feeble attempt" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. It often describes an action or effort that is weak, ineffective, or lacking in conviction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a feeble attempt" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It effectively conveys the idea of a weak or inadequate effort. Predominantly found in news and media, it also appears in formal and business contexts. When using this phrase, consider the tone and formality of your writing, opting for more neutral alternatives like "an inadequate effort" in more formal settings. Understanding its implications and appropriate usage will enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a weak try

Replaces "attempt" with "try", implying a lack of strength or vigor in the effort.

a half-hearted effort

Emphasizes the lack of enthusiasm or commitment behind the effort.

a pathetic shot

Uses "shot" as a metaphor for attempt, highlighting the inadequacy of the effort.

a lame endeavor

Replaces "attempt" with "endeavor", suggesting the effort is unconvincing or inadequate.

a flimsy undertaking

Uses "flimsy" to emphasize the lack of substance or strength in the attempt.

a superficial effort

Highlights the lack of depth or thoroughness in the attempt.

a token gesture

Indicates that the attempt was made primarily for appearance, rather than genuine effort.

a perfunctory exercise

Suggests the attempt was carried out routinely or without real interest.

a negligible stab

Highlights the insignificance and ineffectiveness of the attempt.

a trifling bid

Emphasizes the lack of importance or seriousness in the attempt.

FAQs

How can I use "a feeble attempt" in a sentence?

You can use "a feeble attempt" to describe an action that lacks strength, effectiveness, or conviction. For example, "His presentation was "a feeble attempt" to convince the investors."

What are some alternatives to "a feeble attempt"?

Some alternatives include "a weak effort", "a poor attempt", "an inadequate effort", or "a limited attempt". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "a feeble attempt" a formal or informal phrase?

"A feeble attempt" leans toward the informal side. In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "an inadequate effort" or "a limited attempt" for a more neutral tone.

What's the difference between "a feeble attempt" and "a strong attempt"?

"A feeble attempt" describes an effort that is weak and ineffective, while "a strong attempt" indicates an effort that is robust and likely to succeed. The key difference lies in the degree of strength and effectiveness of the effort.