feebleness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feebleness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of weakness or lack of strength, either physically or metaphorically. Example: "The feebleness of his argument made it difficult to take him seriously in the debate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A policy on climate change attacked for its feebleness might, ultimately, prove more of a burden for Mr Bush than not having one at all.

The Economist

Early this year the OECD declared itself disappointed with the feebleness of Britain's law and the lack of political will to prosecute offenders.Sources say that such unorthodox arrangements were terminated in more recent contracts.

The Economist

A study last summer by three economists at the IMF, for instance, showed that poor countries which export capital have grown faster than those which rely on importing it from abroad.One reason may be the feebleness of their financial markets.

The Economist

As Mr Ellis explains, the feebleness of the national government created by the Articles of Confederation was regarded by most Americans as a positive virtue.

The Economist

Mr Siedentop is struck by its feebleness in Europe.

The Economist

Reprints Related items Iraq, Niger and uranium: Spies fall outJul 10th 2003 Bagehot: Tone aloneJul 10th 2003 Intelligence and Iraq: The war isn't over for TonyJul 10th 2003The check's in the postThe reason for the parliamentary committees' feebleness goes back to the flawed way in which Britain is run.

The Economist

At its worst, the FDLR could mutate into another lethal force like Uganda's Lord's Resistance Army LRAa), a fanatical rebel group that terrorises and lives off people along Congo's northern border.The feebleness of Congo's army in the face of the FDLR and LRA points to one of the main reasons for the new Congolese-Rwandan alliance: the continuing weakness and ineptitude of the Congolese state.

The Economist

The strikes have not prevented people getting to work altogether, nor paralysed the country.The real disruption has been caused by radical local union leaders exasperated by the feebleness of ordinary strikes.

The Economist

An IMF-led rescue would only underline the feebleness of the euro zone's procedures to prevent fiscal laxity, even if few outside Brussels and Frankfurt ever set much store by them.

The Economist

The girls are still fixated but the reader grows protective of them, disgusted by the constraints that bind their lives and outraged by the caddishness and/or feebleness of the men.

The Economist

He also has a nervous eye on his budget deficit, which the feebleness of the economy has already widened.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feebleness" to convey a sense of marked weakness, whether physical, intellectual, or moral. Be mindful of the context, as it can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation suggesting inadequacy or ineffectiveness.

Common error

While "feebleness" is grammatically sound, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler terms like "weakness" or "lack of strength" may be more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The noun "feebleness" functions primarily to describe the state or quality of being feeble. Ludwig's examples show its usage across various contexts, emphasizing weakness or inadequacy in different domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "feebleness" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun that describes the state of being feeble, denoting weakness or ineffectiveness. Ludwig highlights its common usage in news and media, and it also appears in encyclopedias and formal business contexts. While "feebleness" is valid, consider the register of your writing and whether a simpler term like "weakness" might be more suitable. The term can convey a nuanced critique or observation about a lack of strength or impact in various situations. As Ludwig's AI indicates, the word's versatility makes it useful across different contexts, though its formal tone should be considered in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weakness

A general term for a lack of strength or power, applicable both physically and metaphorically.

debility

Refers specifically to physical weakness or infirmity.

frailty

Emphasizes the delicate or fragile nature of something or someone.

fragility

Indicates a susceptibility to damage or breakage, whether physical or metaphorical.

infirmity

Suggests a chronic or ongoing state of weakness, often associated with age or illness.

impotence

Highlights a lack of power or ability to effect change or action.

powerlessness

Implies a lack of control or influence over a situation or one's own circumstances.

ineffectiveness

Focuses on the failure to produce the desired result or outcome.

inadequacy

Points to a deficiency or lack of suitability for a particular purpose or task.

tenuousness

Describes something that is weak or insubstantial and easily broken or destroyed.

FAQs

How can I use "feebleness" in a sentence?

You can use "feebleness" to describe a state of physical weakness, like "The doctor noted the patient's "physical feebleness"". It can also describe a lack of effectiveness, such as "The "feebleness of the government's response" led to widespread criticism".

What words can I use instead of "feebleness"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "feebleness" with words like "weakness", "frailty", "infirmity", or "debility".

Is it better to say "feebleness" or "weakness"?

Both "feebleness" and "weakness" are correct, but "feebleness" is a more formal and less commonly used term. "Weakness" is generally suitable for most situations, while "feebleness" might be preferred in more formal or academic writing.

What is the difference between "feebleness" and "frailty"?

"Feebleness" generally describes a state of being weak or ineffective, while "frailty" often implies a delicate or fragile nature. "Frailty" is often associated with the elderly or those in a weakened physical condition.