feeble memory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feeble memory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a memory that is weak, lacking strength, or not reliable. Example: "As I grow older, I find that my feeble memory often fails me when I try to recall important details from my past."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Beard concludes that this is "one of the pleasures that our feeble memory affords".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We have feeble memories," says Ken Kiewra, a professor of educational psychology at the University of Nebraska and one of the world's leading researchers into note-taking.

The New York Times - Magazine

In contrast, the sleep-deprived brain becomes noisy with electrical activity and so feeble at laying down memories that the process is all but blocked.

The Guardian

Or Iain Duncan Smith: "Probably the feeblest Tory leader in living memory… when Mr Duncan Smith had the opportunity to distinguish himself in the months before the Iraq war, he proved himself more credulously pro-Bush even than Mr Blair, and at one stage seemed to suggest that Saddam Hussein's fictitious weapons of mass destruction might be targeted at London" – according to the Mail.

The Guardian

In her forthcoming study, Dr. Levy found that older people exposed to negative images of aging, including words like "forgetful," "feeble" and "shaky," performed significantly worse on memory and balance tests; in previous experiments, they also showed higher levels of stress.

The New York Times

It has no table of contents, and the index is so feeble that it doesn't even list "e-mail," "flash" or "memory card".

The New York Times - Tech

And the other, because we all knew we now had this memory given to us, and the old, bad one wiped out: not of an elderly, feeble Sid Caesar, but of the brilliantly funny man we all loved him for.

Huffington Post

Feeble labeling.

The New York Times

Feeble stuff.

The Guardian - Business

Too feeble.

The Guardian - Business

How feeble!

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the memory of a person or a system, "feeble memory" can be used to indicate its limitations or unreliability. Consider the audience and context to ensure the term's appropriateness.

Common error

While "feeble memory" is acceptable, overuse might make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "weak memory" or "poor memory" to maintain reader engagement and add nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeble memory" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "feeble" modifies the noun "memory". Ludwig AI indicates it is a valid and usable English phrase. It acts as a subject or object in a sentence, denoting a specific attribute of memory.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "feeble memory" is a valid and understandable English phrase used to describe a memory that is weak or unreliable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and can be used in various contexts, although synonyms like "weak memory" or "poor memory" may sometimes be more appropriate depending on the specific context. The phrase is most frequently encountered in news and media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weak memory

Replaces "feeble" with "weak", a direct synonym, maintaining the same meaning.

poor memory

Substitutes "feeble" with "poor", indicating a deficiency in memory quality.

failing memory

Uses "failing" to describe a memory that is declining in function.

unreliable memory

Focuses on the lack of dependability of the memory.

fragile memory

Emphasizes the delicate and easily damaged nature of the memory.

tenuous memory

Indicates that the memory is held weakly or is very slight.

deficient memory

Highlights the inadequacy of the memory function.

imperfect recall

Shifts the focus to the act of remembering, describing it as flawed.

faulty memory

Emphasizes that the memory has errors or defects.

vague recollection

Suggests that the memory is unclear and lacks detail.

FAQs

What does "feeble memory" mean?

"Feeble memory" refers to a memory that is weak, unreliable, or not functioning properly. It suggests an inability to recall information effectively.

What can I say instead of "feeble memory"?

You can use alternatives like "weak memory", "poor memory", or "failing memory" depending on the specific context.

Is "feeble memory" a formal or informal expression?

"Feeble memory" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "impaired memory" might be preferred in academic or medical settings.

How does sleep deprivation affect memory?

Sleep deprivation can lead to a "feeble memory" because the brain struggles to form and consolidate new memories when it lacks sufficient rest. This can result in difficulty recalling recent events or learned information.