feeble understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feeble understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lack of strength or depth in someone's comprehension of a subject. Example: "Despite his efforts to grasp the complex theory, he was left with only a feeble understanding of the topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The publication of the tape containing Sterling's muddled racial thinking is indeed news, but the hypertensive reaction to his views inadvertently highlights our feeble understanding of how race still works in American society.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Today, it is crucial to look past feeble and outdated understandings of masculinity and explore the potential of human beings untethered by societal expectations and gender norms.  .

Huffington Post

Why, when even attempts were made post-9/11 to understand Arab anger (feeble though they were), does America refuse to even try understanding Columbine?

The Guardian - Opinion

The caricature of the jihadi as a medieval throwback, animated by ancient passions, may be comforting to those who would like to wrap themselves in the mantle of civilisation and pose as heirs of Voltaire, but as a way of actually understanding anything, it's feeble.

The Guardian - Opinion

Because the understanding of the masses "is feeble," he went on, effective propaganda needed to be boiled down to a few slogans that should be "persistently repeated until the very last individual has come to grasp the idea that has been put forward".

The New York Times - Books

"… feeble and insignificant folk …" : weakness in understanding religion and morality.

Journal of International Humanitarian Action

In that same page, the Open Letter interprets this narration so that it fits Da'esh's characteristics: "… black flags …": Da'esh's flag is black "… feeble and insignificant folk …" : weakness in understanding religion and morality.

Journal of International Humanitarian Action

Speaking personally, I think it's possible Kim Chon Sok has misunderstood "evil" as "feeble", but I am trying hard to get a correct understanding of the DPRK.

The Guardian - Sport

Deep learning has been applied to language understanding, but the results are feeble so far.

The New Yorker

Feeble labeling.

The New York Times

How feeble!

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "feeble understanding", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific subject or concept the understanding is lacking in. For example, "a feeble understanding of quantum physics".

Common error

Avoid using "feeble understanding" when a stronger term like "misunderstanding" or "ignorance" is more accurate. "Feeble" implies some level of understanding, albeit a weak one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeble understanding" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "feeble" modifies the noun "understanding". It describes the quality or state of someone's comprehension, indicating that it is weak, inadequate, or lacking in strength. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feeble understanding" is a grammatically sound way to describe a weak or inadequate level of comprehension, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not a very common expression, it effectively conveys a critical assessment of someone's knowledge or insight, and the examples show usage in both News & Media and Scientific contexts. Consider alternatives such as "limited comprehension" or "weak grasp" for variety. Be mindful of using "feeble understanding" when a stronger term might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited comprehension

Focuses on the restricted scope of understanding.

weak grasp

Emphasizes the insecurity and fragility of one's knowledge.

poor insight

Highlights the lack of penetrating or clear perception.

deficient knowledge

Stresses the absence or inadequacy of information.

superficial awareness

Implies a shallow or surface-level understanding.

rudimentary knowledge

Suggests a basic or undeveloped level of understanding.

tenuous grasp

Highlights the fragile and easily lost nature of comprehension.

scant appreciation

Emphasizes a minimal or insufficient understanding.

imperfect understanding

Highlights the errors and mistakes in comprehension.

naive interpretation

Focuses on the unsophisticated and inexperienced nature of understanding.

FAQs

How to use "feeble understanding" in a sentence?

You can use "feeble understanding" to describe a situation where someone has a weak or inadequate grasp of a particular subject. For example, "His "feeble understanding" of the economic crisis led him to make poor investment decisions."

What can I say instead of "feeble understanding"?

You can use alternatives like "limited comprehension", "weak grasp", or "poor insight" depending on the specific context.

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

Both "feeble understanding" and "weak understanding" are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. The choice depends on the nuance you want to express. "Feeble" emphasizes a lack of strength, while "weak" is a more general term for inadequacy.

What's the difference between "feeble understanding" and "misunderstanding"?

"Feeble understanding" implies a weak or incomplete grasp of something, while "misunderstanding" implies a complete failure to understand correctly. A "feeble understanding" suggests partial comprehension, while a "misunderstanding" implies incorrect comprehension.