a pretty feeble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pretty feeble" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is weak, ineffective, or lacking in strength or substance. Example: "His argument was a pretty feeble attempt to justify his actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

A pretty feeble ruse, perhaps, but it works.

The New York Times - Books

A pretty feeble revolution, true -- but even feeble progress suggests large possibilities.

The New York Times

It's a pretty feeble excuse for building a new generation of nukes, but it worked.

The Guardian

Next to that consummation, a cake on a rake is a pretty feeble entertainment.

The New Yorker

This is little more than a political stunt – and a pretty feeble one at that.

The Guardian - Opinion

That would leave us with a pretty feeble hand in a Brexit negotiation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

For an economy still pulling itself out of a deep hole, with an unemployment rate of 8.6percentnt, it is pretty feeble — too feeble to support a sustained drop in the jobless figures.

The New Yorker

The rainfall, soft, and massage settings are pretty feeble... if you live in a very hard water area, you'll often get get tiny deposits flaking from the inside of the pipes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Their opposition to a government-backed reform of labour law last year was pretty feeble.Yet they are becoming more active and more united: the two groups rowed last year, when the CCOO accepted a government plan on pension reform and the UGT said no.

The Economist

Even so, there is growing evidence that Euro-fatigue and Euroscepticism are spreading from traditionally critical members such as Britain to countries that used to be much keener on the European project.Nearly half a century after its birth, the EU's approval ratings remain pretty feeble.

The Economist

Since the recovery began, in the summer of 2009, G.D.P. has expanded at an annual rate of just two per cent, which is pretty feeble compared to previous recoveries.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a pretty feeble", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being described as weak or ineffective. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a pretty feeble" in highly formal or academic writing. More sophisticated vocabulary, such as "inadequate" or "ineffective", can lend a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pretty feeble" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating that the noun in question is weak, ineffective, or lacking in substance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, further validating its descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a pretty feeble" is a grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe something as weak, ineffective, or lacking substance. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and provides context for its usage. While not overly formal, it is considered neutral and appears mostly in News & Media sources. Alternatives include "rather weak" and "quite inadequate". When using this phrase, ensure clarity and context to avoid ambiguity. Consider more formal vocabulary in academic or professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rather weak

Emphasizes the lack of strength or effectiveness, using "rather" as an intensifier.

quite inadequate

Highlights the insufficiency or unsuitability of something.

somewhat ineffective

Focuses on the lack of desired effect, using "somewhat" to soften the criticism.

fairly unconvincing

Indicates a lack of persuasiveness or believability.

not very strong

Directly points out the lack of power or intensity.

a bit flimsy

Suggests a lack of substance or solidity.

remarkably impotent

Highlights the inability to produce a desired effect, using a stronger term.

noticeably deficient

Draws attention to the clear lack of something.

distinctly underwhelming

Points out the failure to impress or excite.

plainly ineffectual

Clearly states the lack of effectiveness.

FAQs

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

Use "a pretty feeble" to describe something that lacks strength, effectiveness, or impact. For example: "His excuse was "a pretty feeble" attempt to avoid responsibility."

What are some alternatives to "a pretty feeble"?

You can use alternatives like "rather weak", "quite inadequate", or "somewhat ineffective" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "a pretty feeble" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a pretty feeble" might be considered too informal for academic or professional writing. Consider using stronger, more formal alternatives.

What's the difference between "a pretty feeble" and "inadequate"?

"A pretty feeble" suggests a lack of strength or impact, while "inadequate" implies a failure to meet a specific requirement or standard. "Inadequate" is generally more formal.