feeble sound

USAGE SUMMARY

'feeble sound' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to describe a sound that is faint, weak, quiet, or soft. Example: The feeble sound of the wind chimes filled the garden with a pleasant melody.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The feeble sound your vehicle emits is no competition for what he has on board.

The New York Times

I remember dropping a plastic spoon one day, and then wondering whether the feeble sound that followed came from its hitting the cement floor or my muttering something to myself.

The New York Times

To combat the sometimes feeble sound of flatscreens, the XG95 uses extra sound positioning tweeters in the rear of the TV to give the impression audio is coming directly from the centre of the screen.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Like many another, the recording is uneven, with Leonie Rysanek less than fresh as Desdemona and with some feeble sounds from the women's chorus.

The New York Times

It is, perversely, sometimes feeble to sound bold and bold to sound feeble.

The Guardian - Opinion

When asked recently on "The O'Reilly Factor" what he considered the most important mission of his administration, the president quickly answered "tax relief". Then, apparently realizing how feeble this sounded, he quickly began stammering about education.

Los Angeles Times

One is forced to conclude that the arguments sound feeble because they are feeble.

The New Yorker

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

The Guardian

For an audience used to The Thick of It, this spin-doctor really does sound feeble.

The Guardian - Film

Such laments sound feeble in contrast to the powerful need for public access to Albany's business.

The New York Times

After the savage abstraction of the opening, words sound feeble and dull, and they give Khan no musical support.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feeble sound" to describe a sound that lacks strength, volume, or clarity. It's particularly effective when contrasting it with a more powerful or distinct sound, highlighting the weakness of the former.

Common error

Avoid attributing a "feeble sound" to the wrong source. Ensure that what you perceive as a "feeble sound" isn't simply a result of distance or obstruction, rather than an inherent weakness in the sound's origin.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeble sound" functions as a descriptive element, where the adjective feeble modifies the noun sound, specifying its quality or characteristic. Ludwig AI suggests this phrase follows standard grammar rules and is a correct element in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feeble sound" is a grammatically correct and descriptively precise way to depict a sound that lacks strength or intensity. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage aligns with standard English grammar. While not exceedingly common, it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. Its function is to specifically describe the quality of the sound. Understanding its connotations and subtle differences from synonyms like "weak sound" or "soft sound" can elevate your writing, adding nuance and accuracy to your descriptions. When using the phrase, make sure it is the weakness of origin, rather than some obstruction playing tricks on you.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weak sound

Uses 'weak' instead of 'feeble', conveying a similar sense of lacking strength or power.

soft sound

Substitutes 'feeble' with 'soft', indicating a low volume or intensity.

faint noise

Replaces 'sound' with 'noise', suggesting a less distinct or possibly unwanted sound.

muted sound

Replaces 'feeble' with 'muted', implying the sound is suppressed or muffled.

low sound

Replaces 'feeble' with 'low', describing a sound with reduced intensity or volume.

indistinct noise

Combines 'indistinct' to suggest a sound that is not clear or well-defined and 'noise' for less distinct or possibly unwanted sound

subdued sound

Replaces 'feeble' with 'subdued', indicating a sound that is restrained or quieted.

barely audible sound

Emphasizes the sound's proximity to the threshold of hearing.

thin sound

Uses 'thin' instead of 'feeble' to describe the sound's quality as lacking depth or resonance.

delicate sound

Replaces 'feeble' with 'delicate', suggesting a sound that is fragile and easily overwhelmed.

FAQs

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

You can use "feeble sound" to describe a weak or indistinct noise, like "The only response was a "feeble sound" coming from the old radio".

What are some synonyms for "feeble sound"?

Alternatives include "weak sound", "soft sound", or "muted sound", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "feeble sound" a formal or informal phrase?

"Feeble sound" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of your writing.

What is the difference between "feeble sound" and "faint sound"?

While both describe a sound that is not strong, "feeble sound" suggests a lack of inherent power or quality, while "faint sound" implies the sound is difficult to hear, possibly due to distance or interference. Thus, you could say, "Despite the distance, his voice wasn't a "feeble sound", but the wind made it "faint sound"".