feeble attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feeble attempt" is grammatically correct and is commonly used in written English.
It can be used to describe a weak or unsuccessful effort or action. Example: Despite his feeble attempt to fix the car, it still wouldn't start.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's the playwright's feeble attempt to build to a breakthrough.

The New York Times

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

"Conference, the Liberal Democrats are not for turning," (in a rather feeble attempt to sound Thatcherite).

The Guardian

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

The search for extraterrestrial intelligence with radio telescopes has come of age recently, 50 years after the first feeble attempt.

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feeble attempt" to describe actions that are weak and unlikely to succeed. It's effective in conveying a sense of inadequacy or lack of strength in the effort.

Common error

Avoid using "feeble attempt" when the effort was significant or well-executed, even if it ultimately failed. Reserve it for situations where the lack of effort is a key factor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeble attempt" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "feeble" modifies the noun "attempt". It serves to qualify the nature of the attempt as being weak, inadequate, or ineffective. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feeble attempt" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe a weak or ineffective effort. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its function is to qualify an attempt as being inadequate. Predominantly found in News & Media, it serves to express criticism or disappointment. While alternatives like "weak effort" or "poor effort" exist, "feeble attempt" distinctly conveys a sense of inadequacy. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the situation, avoiding its application to well-executed efforts, even if unsuccessful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Weak effort

Replaces 'attempt' with 'effort', maintaining the sense of a weak undertaking.

Futile attempt

Similar to 'vain attempt', emphasizing the pointlessness of the effort.

Poor effort

Substitutes 'feeble' with 'poor', indicating a low quality attempt.

Half-hearted effort

Emphasizes the lack of enthusiasm or commitment in the effort.

Token effort

Suggests the attempt was minimal and made only for appearances.

Lame attempt

Uses 'lame' to suggest the attempt was unconvincing or inadequate.

Vain attempt

Suggests the attempt was ultimately unsuccessful and futile.

Shaky attempt

Implies the attempt was unstable or lacked a solid foundation.

Insignificant attempt

Highlights the lack of impact or importance of the attempt.

Pathetic attempt

Conveys a sense of inadequacy or pitifulness in the effort.

FAQs

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

You can use "feeble attempt" to describe something that was tried but with little effort or chance of success. For example: "His "feeble attempt" to apologize didn't make things better."

What can I say instead of "feeble attempt"?

You can use alternatives like "weak effort", "half-hearted effort", or "poor effort" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "feeble attempt" or "weak attempt"?

Both ""feeble attempt"" and "weak attempt" are correct and can be used interchangeably in many contexts, although "feeble" might imply a greater degree of ineffectiveness.

What's the difference between "feeble attempt" and "insignificant attempt"?

"Feeble attempt" emphasizes the weakness of the effort itself, while "insignificant attempt" highlights the lack of impact or importance, despite the effort made.