Feeble
(Adjective) | Pronunciation: /ˈfiː.bəl/
Definition & Meaning
The word “feeble” describes something weak, lacking strength, or ineffective.
- As an adjective – Used to describe physical weakness, lack of energy, or something that is unconvincing or ineffective.
💡 Did You Know? The word feeble is often used metaphorically to describe weak arguments or ineffective attempts!
Word Origin & History
- Etymology: Derived from Old French feible, meaning “weak,” which comes from the Latin flebilis, meaning “lamentable” or “pitiful.”
- Historical Usage: Originally used to describe physical frailty, the word later expanded to include mental, emotional, and even logical weakness.
- Cultural Influence: Feebleness has often been depicted in literature to show aging, illness, or lack of determination.
📖 Example: His feeble excuse did not convince anyone.
Synonyms & Antonyms
🔹 Synonyms (words with similar meanings)
- Weak
- Fragile
- Frail
- Powerless
🔻 Antonyms (opposite meanings)
- Strong
- Powerful
- Sturdy
- Robust
💡 Word Tip: “Feeble” is commonly used to describe both physical and metaphorical weakness, such as a feeble attempt or a feeble light.
Example Sentences
✅ The old man’s voice was feeble but full of wisdom.
✅ After being sick for weeks, she felt feeble and exhausted.
✅ His feeble argument failed to convince the audience.
✅ The candle’s feeble glow barely lit the room.
✅ He made a feeble attempt to lift the heavy box.
✅ The economy showed feeble signs of recovery.
✅ Her feeble hands trembled as she held the book.
✅ The team put up a feeble defense and lost the game.
✅ His feeble smile showed his struggle to stay strong.
Related Words & Phrases
These words are commonly associated with “feeble”:
- Weak
- Delicate
- Brittle
- Faint
- Puny
- Impotent
- Ineffective
- Lame
Example: The phrase “feeble-minded” was historically used (but is now outdated) to describe mental weakness.
Usage Trends & Popularity
🧐 Trending Now: The word feeble is frequently used in literature, politics, and everyday conversation to describe both physical weakness and ineffective efforts.
📢 Discuss: Can a feeble effort ever be enough, or is strength always necessary?
Fun Activities & Challenges
🔠 Word Puzzle: Unscramble this word → B E F E L E
🧠 Quick Quiz:
💭 Which of these is a synonym for “feeble”?
A) Strong
B) Robust
C) Fragile ✅
✍ Word Story Challenge: Write a short story where a feeble old man surprises everyone with his wisdom!
User Contributions & Comments
💬 Share Your Thoughts: Have you ever felt feeble after being sick?
📢 Join the discussion below!
Advanced Learning & Fun Facts
Idioms & Phrases
- “A feeble excuse” – A weak or unconvincing reason.
- “Feeble attempt” – A half-hearted or ineffective effort.
Scientific & Medical Use
- In Medicine: Feebleness is often associated with conditions like anemia, aging, or malnutrition.
- In Physics: A feeble force is one that has little effect.
Famous Quotes
“A feeble body weakens the mind.”
— Jean-Jacques Rousseau
💡 Did You Know? The feeble electrical signals in our brain are enough to control our entire body!