feeble appearance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feeble appearance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that looks weak, frail, or lacking in strength or vitality. Example: "The plant had a feeble appearance, with drooping leaves and a thin stem, indicating it needed more care."

✓ Grammatically correct

Formal & Business

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It was a feeble appearance, too, as if Sol exhausted himself in the struggle to get through the fog.

The Economist

They, too, had the same health issues, low birth weight, feeble appearance, lethargic, demeanour and catching infections frequently.

Unicef

When her two older daughters were growing, they also had the same issues: low birth weight, feeble appearance, lethargic demeanour and frequent infections.

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

This only made Romney's feeble attacks appear all the more feeble.

The New York Times

Thereafter there shall appear a feeble insignificant folk.

Journal of International Humanitarian Action

The photographs were considered documentary evidence to support Goddard's analysis, since both the public and professionals at the time believed the feeble-minded could be recognized by their physical appearance and how they lived.

Huffington Post

Feeble labeling.

The New York Times

How feeble!

The Guardian - Opinion

Feeble stuff.

The Guardian - Business

Too feeble.

The Guardian - Business

But enforcement is feeble.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a subject's physical condition, use "feeble appearance" to convey weakness or lack of vitality. This is especially effective in medical or descriptive writing where accuracy is key.

Common error

Avoid using "feeble appearance" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler terms like "weak" or "frail" may be more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeble appearance" primarily functions as a descriptive term. It combines an adjective ("feeble") with a noun ("appearance") to modify and specify the kind of appearance being described. Ludwig AI identifies its usage in describing the physical condition of someone or something.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feeble appearance" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, although relatively rare in usage. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness for describing something or someone that looks weak, frail, or lacking vitality. Its primary function is descriptive, often used in formal contexts such as news reporting or formal writing to convey a sense of decline or vulnerability. While there are several alternative phrases available, understanding the specific nuances of "feeble appearance" ensures accurate and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frail aspect

Substitutes "feeble" with "frail" and "appearance" with "aspect", emphasizing delicacy and vulnerability.

fragile exterior

Highlights the outer surface or presentation as being easily damaged or weakened.

weak presentation

Replaces "appearance" with "presentation", shifting the focus to how something is presented rather than its inherent look.

sickly aspect

Implies a look of illness or poor health, using "sickly" instead of "feeble".

delicate look

Replaces "feeble" with "delicate", suggesting a subtle and fragile quality.

unimpressive facade

Emphasizes that the outward appearance lacks strength or impact, using "facade" to suggest a potentially misleading exterior.

unhealthy look

Focuses specifically on the appearance suggesting ill-health or lack of vitality.

wan complexion

Specifically refers to the facial appearance, suggesting paleness and weakness.

puny semblance

Uses "puny" to emphasize smallness and weakness, and "semblance" for a superficial appearance.

slight presence

Shifts the focus from visual appearance to overall presence, suggesting a lack of impact or strength.

FAQs

How can I describe a "feeble appearance"?

A "feeble appearance" suggests weakness, frailty, or a lack of vitality. You might describe someone or something with a "feeble appearance" as looking frail, unwell, or diminished in strength.

What's a more straightforward way to say "feeble appearance"?

Alternatives include "weak appearance", "frail look", or "unhealthy look". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "feeble appearance" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "feeble appearance" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in medical or descriptive contexts where a precise and somewhat clinical term is desired. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your piece.

What's the difference between "feeble appearance" and ""weak appearance""?

While similar, "feeble" can imply a greater degree of frailty or ineffectiveness compared to "weak". "Feeble appearance" might suggest a more pronounced and noticeable lack of vitality than "weak appearance".