B1adjective2K

Feeble

UK //ˈfiːbəl//US //ˈfiːbəl//

Definition

Very weak, lacking strength or force.

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.