feeble smile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'feeble smile' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a weak or uncertain smile, usually in a situation where the person is trying to appear friendly but is hesitant or unsure. For example, "She welcomed us with a feeble smile, but I could tell she was not truly happy to see us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I'd return a feeble smile and turn back to the elevator, still working its way up from the earth's core.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

And the result is civil small talk and feeble smiles and a sense of having compromised.

The New Yorker

A thrill of pleasure leaps in one's bosom as one perceives, during Lord Jim's introduction, the feeble-minded smile that crosses the old pagan's dark, heavy-jowled physlognomy.

The New York Times

"History offered a feeble and delusive smile at the sound of the word race," Henry Adams wrote back in 1918.

The New York Times - Magazine

21, with Smile, Feeble and J.P. Big.

Los Angeles Times

The pattern of the game became clear when the veteran Cardinal starter Adam Wainwright could only smile wanly after allowing a feeble pop by Stephen Drew to drop like a thrombosed dove at his feet, to begin the Sox' second.

The New Yorker

'But she smiled!' whines the snapper, in feeble protest.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For one, don't be put off by its feeble cover, a sentimental photograph of a cute and smiling Middle Eastern girl sitting beside a pile of cut pink flowers.

The New York Times - Books

Spain attempts a feeble clearance that goes as far as Ronaldo, who turns, shoots and smiles as his shot skies into the crowd.

The New York Times

Classic dating tomes tell women to smile and tilt their head and laugh at a man's jokes, feeble as they may be, in order to create attraction.

Huffington Post

Buck had greeted the three goals that sank a feeble Bolton side with greater enthusiasm than the club's owner, who could barely raise a smile whenever the cameras homed in on him.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feeble smile" when you want to convey a sense of weakness, uncertainty, or insincerity behind a smile. It's particularly effective in describing characters who are trying to mask their true feelings or are in a vulnerable state.

Common error

Avoid using "feeble smile" repeatedly to describe every character's reaction. Vary your descriptions with synonyms like "weak smile" or "faint smile" to keep your writing engaging and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeble smile" functions as an adjective-noun combination where the adjective "feeble" modifies the noun "smile". This combination serves to describe the quality of the smile, indicating its weakness or lack of conviction. Ludwig AI affirms the correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "feeble smile" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that effectively conveys a sense of weakness or insincerity in a smile. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate for describing a smile that lacks genuine emotion or strength. While frequently found in news and media contexts, it's essential to avoid overuse and vary your descriptive language. Consider alternatives such as "weak smile" or "faint smile" to maintain engaging writing. By understanding the subtle nuances of this phrase, you can enhance your ability to depict complex emotional states in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weak smile

Indicates a smile lacking strength or conviction, similar to "feeble smile" but slightly more direct.

faint smile

Suggests a smile that is barely perceptible, implying a lack of genuine emotion.

forced smile

Highlights the insincerity of the smile, suggesting it's put on rather than genuine.

wilted smile

Emphasizes the drooping or fading quality of the smile, suggesting sadness or resignation.

wan smile

Implies a pale or sickly smile, often associated with fatigue or illness.

artificial smile

Focuses on the contrived and unnatural nature of the smile, lacking authenticity.

insincere smile

Directly states the lack of genuineness in the smile.

unconvincing smile

Highlights the ineffectiveness of the smile to convey genuine emotion.

half-hearted smile

Implies a lack of enthusiasm or commitment behind the smile.

reluctant smile

Suggests the person is smiling against their will or out of obligation.

FAQs

What does "feeble smile" mean?

A "feeble smile" describes a smile that is weak, hesitant, or unconvincing, often suggesting a lack of genuine happiness or a sense of vulnerability.

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

You might say, "She offered a "feeble smile" as she apologized for the mistake," indicating her apology might not be entirely sincere.

What are some alternatives to "feeble smile"?

Alternatives include "weak smile", "faint smile", or "forced smile", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "feeble smile" a commonly used phrase?

Yes, "feeble smile" is a fairly common phrase, particularly in descriptive writing, to depict a specific type of emotional expression.