feeble

USAGE SUMMARY

The word feeble is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is weak or lacking in strength or vigor. Example sentence: After the long hike in the heat, I was feeling feeble and out of breath.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Jenkins, in the face of falling profits, abandoned his "pay for performance" mantra and instead spouted feeble lines about the risk of a "death spiral"– a tired old cliche, as Robert Pickering, successful former boss of Cazenove, said this week.

The Guardian - Business

Little survives of his work, apart from a detailed list describing how voices can range from being engaging or feeble to persuasive and even melodious.

The Guardian

"I know I have the body but of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too," she told her troops on the eve of invasion by the Spanish Armada.

The Guardian

He was frail, feeble, dependent on loved ones to support him.

The Guardian - Opinion

From 2008, when the US began to negotiate the transition of its powers to Iraq's feeble security institutions – and therefore pave the way to its own exit – the Americans increasingly turned to only a few trusted figures in the Iraqi government.

The Guardian

Ask yourself - what is the character trying to say?" I analysed my feeble word count.

The Guardian

Most cannot afford an education: without government assistance, thus far feeble, they will remain intellectual invalids.

The Guardian - Opinion

The feeble ruble has helped push down currencies around the region, sometimes by double-digit figures.

The Guardian

The UK economy has grown by a feeble 0.2% over the last three quarters and the next two quarters may be even worse.

The Guardian - Opinion

Maybe, but it seems the same cannot be said of his feeble team.

The Guardian - Sport

Gebre-Selassie bursts past a feeble challenge from Boenisch and cuts the ball back to Pilar, all alone in a central position 12 yards from goal.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "feeble", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended degree and type of weakness. It's suitable for physical weakness, but also for arguments or attempts that lack force.

Common error

While "feeble" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise synonyms like "deficient" or "inadequate" when appropriate for a stronger and more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "feeble" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a state of weakness, whether physical or in terms of effectiveness. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. Examples show it describing "feeble lines", "feeble security institutions", and "feeble attempts".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

29%

Science

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "feeble" is a versatile adjective used to describe a lack of strength, vigor, or effectiveness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used in written English. Its application ranges from describing physical weakness to the inadequacy of arguments or systems. While "feeble" maintains a neutral tone, it's essential to consider synonyms like "weak", "frail", or "ineffectual" for nuanced expression. Examples from sources like The Guardian and The Economist illustrate its common usage in news and formal contexts, making it a valuable term for descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weak

A general term for lacking strength; less specific than "feeble".

frail

Suggests delicacy and vulnerability, often due to age or illness.

infirm

Implies weakness due to old age or sickness.

debilitated

Indicates a state of reduced strength and energy.

lacking strength

A more descriptive way of saying "feeble", focusing on the absence of power.

ineffectual

Describes something that fails to produce the desired effect.

powerless

Indicates a lack of ability to influence or control.

flimsy

Suggests a lack of solidity or substance; often used for arguments or excuses.

inadequate

Not good enough or sufficient.

deficient

Lacking an essential quality or element.

FAQs

How can I use "feeble" in a sentence?

You can use "feeble" to describe something or someone lacking physical strength, like "The old man's grip was feeble", or to describe something lacking effectiveness, such as "That was a feeble excuse".

What are some synonyms for "feeble"?

Alternatives to "feeble" include "weak", "frail", "infirm", and "debilitated" when referring to physical strength. For ineffectiveness, you could use "ineffectual" or "inadequate".

Is it better to say "feeble attempt" or "weak attempt"?

Both "feeble attempt" and "weak attempt" are acceptable, but "feeble attempt" often implies a lack of conviction or force behind the effort, while "weak attempt" simply indicates a lack of strength or effectiveness. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "feeble" and "fragile"?

"Feeble" suggests a lack of strength or effectiveness, whereas "fragile" implies easily broken or damaged. A person can be "feeble" due to illness, while a glass is "fragile" because of its material properties. "Feeble" can also describe arguments, where "fragile" is less commonly used.