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Feeble Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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feeble

fee-ble

🇺🇸 /ˈfibəɫ/ · 🇬🇧 /fˈiːbəl/

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

physical strength

lacking physical strength, especially as a result of age or illness. Weak and delicate.

Synonyms

delicate, fragile, frail, weak.

Examples of usage

  • She was too feeble to lift the heavy box.
  • His feeble attempt to open the jar failed.
  • The old man's feeble voice could barely be heard.
  • The feeble light of the candle flickered in the wind.
Context #2 | Adjective

effort or attempt

lacking strength or effectiveness. Not convincing or impressive.

Synonyms

ineffective, insipid, paltry, weak.

Examples of usage

  • His feeble excuse did not convince anyone.
  • The team made a feeble attempt to score a goal.
  • I could hear the feeble attempt at singing from the next room.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Quick facts about “feeble”

Feeble is a 2-syllable adjective (fee-ble). It is pronounced /ˈfibəɫ/ in American English and /fˈiːbəl/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 2 meanings, 8 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #6,672 among the most common English words.

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“feeble” in psychology

  • Feeling feeble can impact one's mental state, often contributing to a sense of helplessness or low self-esteem.
  • In studies, individuals who perceive themselves as weak tend to be less likely to persevere through challenges.

“feeble” in literature

  • In many classic novels, feeble characters often serve as symbols of vulnerability, highlighting the struggles of the human condition.
  • J.R.R. Tolkien’s portrayal of feeble beings, such as hobbits, reveals that strength does not always correlate with physical prowess.

“feeble” in health

  • A feeble immune system can lead to increased susceptibility to illnesses, making nutrition essential for strengthening health.
  • Exercise plays a crucial role in combating feelings of feebleness, as physical activity builds both muscle strength and self-confidence.

“feeble” in pop culture

  • Characters in movies often exhibit feebleness in dire situations, evoking empathy and inviting audiences to root for their growth.
  • The trend of showcasing feeble but relatable heroes in contemporary media highlights that strength can come in many forms.

Origin of 'feeble'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originated from the Latin word 'flebilis,' which means 'to weep,' signifying weakness or vulnerability.
  • In medieval times, 'feeble' was used to describe physical frailty, often linked to age or illness, emphasizing a lack of strength.

The word 'feeble' originated from the Middle English word 'feble' which came from the Old French 'feble', ultimately derived from the Latin 'flābilis' meaning 'lamentable' or 'wailing'. The term has been used in English since the 12th century to describe weakness or lack of strength.

Rhymes

Feeble rhymes with enfeeble, biebel, diebel, friebel, giebel, griebel, keeble and kriebel.

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Word Frequency Rank

At #6,672 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.