B1adjective 2K

Feeble

UK //ˈfiːbəl// US //ˈfiːbəl// Pronunciation

Definition

Very weak, lacking strength or force.

Listen to definition

In simple words: Very weak or not strong

Examples

• The feeble branches swayed in the light breeze.
• His feeble attempt to lift the weight showed how out of shape he was.
• She gave a feeble smile, not wanting to seem rude.
• The feeble sound from the loudspeaker barely reached the audience.
• Despite his feeble excuses, it was clear he was not telling the truth.

Usage notes

Use 'feeble' to describe physical weakness or lack of strength, often in a negative context. It's not used for strong, positive descriptions.

Grammar pattern

attributive or predicative adjective

Memory hint

Imagine a feeble old man struggling to lift a feather.

Collocations

• feeble attempt
• feeble excuse
• feeble health
• feeble light

Synonyms

• weak
• fragile
• delicate
• infirm
• ineffectual

Antonyms

• strong
• powerful
• robust
• sturdy

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'weak' but 'feeble' implies even less strength.
• Used to describe objects instead of people or actions.
• Mistaken to mean 'faint' or 'dim', which have different contexts.