feeble

English

Etymology

From Middle English feble, from Anglo-Norman feble (weak, feeble) (compare French faible), from Latin flēbilis (tearful, mournful, lamentable). Doublet of foible.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈfiːbəl/
  • (file)
  • Rhymes: -iːbəl

Adjective

feeble (comparative feebler, superlative feeblest)

  1. Deficient in physical strength
    Though she appeared old and feeble, she could still throw a ball.
    • 2011 October 23, Tom Fordyce, “2011 Rugby World Cup final: New Zealand 8-7 France”, in BBC Sport:
      France were transformed from the feeble, divided unit that had squeaked past Wales in the semi-final, their half-backs finding the corners with beautifully judged kicks from hand, the forwards making yards with every drive and a reorganised Kiwi line-out beginning to malfunction.
  2. Lacking force, vigor, or efficiency in action or expression; faint.
    That was a feeble excuse for an example.

Synonyms

Derived terms

Translations

Verb

feeble (third-person singular simple present feebles, present participle feebling, simple past and past participle feebled)

  1. (obsolete) To make feeble; to enfeeble.

References

  • feeble in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
  • feeble in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.

Anagrams

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