feeble

adjective

ˈfē-bəl How to pronounce feeble (audio)
Definition of feeblenext
as in weak
lacking bodily strength feeble members of the congregation are not expected to stand or kneel during services

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective feeble contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of feeble are decrepit, fragile, frail, infirm, and weak. While all these words mean "not strong enough to endure strain, pressure, or strenuous effort," feeble suggests extreme weakness inviting pity or contempt.

a feeble attempt to walk

When might decrepit be a better fit than feeble?

While the synonyms decrepit and feeble are close in meaning, decrepit implies being worn-out or broken-down from long use or old age.

the dowager's decrepit retainers

When would fragile be a good substitute for feeble?

The words fragile and feeble are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fragile suggests frailty and brittleness unable to resist rough usage.

a reclusive poet too fragile for the rigors of this world

When is it sensible to use frail instead of feeble?

While in some cases nearly identical to feeble, frail implies delicacy and slightness of constitution or structure.

a frail teenager unable to enjoy sports

When can infirm be used instead of feeble?

Although the words infirm and feeble have much in common, infirm suggests instability, unsoundness, and insecurity due to old age or crippling illness.

infirm residents requiring constant care

In what contexts can weak take the place of feeble?

The synonyms weak and feeble are sometimes interchangeable, but weak applies to deficiency or inferiority in strength or power of any sort.

felt weak after the surgery

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of feeble The tech industry’s job losses have contributed to a feeble job market in the Bay Area so far this year. —George Avalos, Mercury News, 25 June 2025 Whether the result of drugs, alcohol or general hysteria, these terrifying men would enter trance-like states and charge into battle, ignoring severe injuries and collapsing into a feeble heap immediately after the fight concluded. —Drew Gerber, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025 Two hotels in the East Bay have tumbled into bankruptcy ahead of scheduled foreclosures, in a fresh sign that post-coronavirus maladies still afflict the feeble lodging markets in the Bay Area. —George Avalos, Mercury News, 10 June 2025 But this time, Trump is bucking the prime minister, and Netanyahu and his supporters have had only feeble excuses as to why their efforts are failing. —Aluf Benn, Foreign Affairs, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for feeble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for feeble
  1. weak
  2. frail
Adjective
  • Witness the rally in the railroads last week that crushed shorts banking on weaker transport earnings.
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 21 July 2025
  • This weak cash generation capability raises questions about the company’s ability to fund growth investments and return capital to shareholders.
    — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Definition of weak
Adjective
  • Severe infections are particularly dangerous for young children, frail or elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems.
    — Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
  • Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause severe and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail and elderly people, as well as those with a weakened immune system.
    — Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 18 July 2025
Definition of frail

Browse Nearby Words

fee
feeble
feebleminded
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Cite this Entry

“Feeble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/feeble. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of feeble for Spanish Speakers

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