rather feeble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rather feeble" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is weak, ineffective, or lacking in strength or intensity. Example: "The argument presented by the opposing team was rather feeble and failed to convince the judges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

All deductive insight here is in fact, rather feeble.

The Guardian - Film

Errol made a rather feeble gesture of greeting.

The New Yorker

"Baba Nura's vacationers have left, and she's gotten rather feeble in the past year.

The New Yorker

From any other designer that might sound like a rather feeble beginning.

The New York Times

Given that The Striptease was already published, this sounds like rather feeble revenge.

The Guardian - Arts

"My only response is a rather feeble one, but it is the truth.

The Guardian - Sport

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

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

'I haven't got anything to wear,' I whimper - rather a feeble excuse in view of Shane's suit.

The Guardian - Books

You get a true built-in flash, rather than the feeble LED built onto the backs of phones.

The New York Times - Tech

A wishy-washy Desdemona (Elizabeth Nabben) is feeble rather than fiery and defiant, reflecting her limp, loose clothes.

The Guardian

According to newly revised data from the Commerce Department, the economy is smaller today than it was when the recession began, despite (or rather, because of) the feeble growth in the last couple of years.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rather feeble" to subtly downplay the strength or quality of something without being overly critical or harsh. It is useful when you want to express a polite disagreement or mild disappointment.

Common error

Avoid using "rather feeble" excessively in formal or academic writing, as it can sometimes be perceived as informal or lacking in precision. Opt for more specific and impactful vocabulary to convey the intended meaning, such as "insufficient", "inadequate", or "weak".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather feeble" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe something as weak, inadequate, or ineffective. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is commonly used in various contexts to express a nuanced degree of weakness without being overly critical.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rather feeble" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe something as weak or ineffective, with a touch of understatement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal settings. While it's considered acceptable in most scenarios, more precise alternatives like "insufficient" or "inadequate" may be preferable in highly formal writing. Use it judiciously to convey a polite disagreement or mild disappointment without being overly critical.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat weak

Indicates a slightly weaker intensity compared to "rather feeble".

quite flimsy

Suggests a lack of substance or strength, similar to "rather feeble".

fairly inadequate

Emphasizes the insufficiency or lack of quality, akin to "rather feeble".

somewhat unconvincing

Focuses on the lack of persuasiveness, a specific application of being "rather feeble".

moderately weak

Similar to "somewhat weak" but with a slightly more formal tone.

a bit frail

Implies a delicate weakness, often used for physical conditions or arguments.

marginally ineffective

Highlights the lack of effectiveness with a touch of understatement.

slightly deficient

Indicates a minor shortcoming or inadequacy, mirroring the meaning of "rather feeble".

relatively poor

Highlights the low quality or performance in comparison to a standard.

passably insufficient

Suggests that something barely meets the minimum requirement, similar to being "rather feeble".

FAQs

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

You can use "rather feeble" to describe something lacking strength or effectiveness, as in, "The company's attempt to address the issue was "rather feeble" and failed to produce any significant results."

What are some alternatives to "rather feeble"?

Alternatives include "somewhat weak", "quite flimsy", or "fairly inadequate", depending on the specific context. Consider the nuance you wish to convey when choosing a substitute.

Is it appropriate to use "rather feeble" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "rather feeble" may sound slightly informal. In highly formal contexts, consider using more precise and impactful alternatives like "insufficient" or "inadequate".

What's the difference between "rather feeble" and "completely ineffective"?

"Rather feeble" suggests a degree of weakness or ineffectiveness, whereas "completely ineffective" implies a total lack of success or impact. The former is less absolute and allows for some minimal level of function, however slight.