feeble

English

Etymology

From Middle English feble, from Anglo-Norman feble (“weak, feeble”) (compare French faible), from Latin flēbilis (“tearful, mournful, lamentable”) by dissimilation, from fleō (“I weep, cry”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *bʰleh₁-. Doublet of foible.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈfiːbəl/

• Audio (US)

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• 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 effectiveness in action or expression; faint.

   That was a feeble excuse for an example.

Synonyms

• (physically weak): weak, infirm, debilitated
• (wanting force, vigor or efficiency): faint

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, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam, 1913, →OCLC.
• “feeble”, in The Century Dictionary , New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911, →OCLC.

Anagrams

• beflee

Middle English

Adjective

feeble

1. Alternative form of feble