feeble

/ˈfiːbl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈfiːbl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈfē-bəl/ (ame, mw)

feeble — adjective

  • feeblepositive
  • feeblercomparative
  • feeblestsuperlative

1. having very little physical strength or energy, so that moving, speaking, or doi

1.形容詞B1
釋義

having very little physical strength or energy, so that moving, speaking, or doing everyday things is difficult — often because of illness, old age, or exhaustion

例句

After her long illness, Aunt Rosa felt too feeble to walk up the stairs.

feel + too feeble to + infinitive

The old dog gave a feeble wag of its tail but could not lift its head.

同義詞
  • weak

    the most common, all-purpose word; less emotive than 'feeble'

  • frail

    suggests a thin, delicate body that is easily hurt, usually from age

  • fragile

    easily broken or damaged; can apply to objects as well as people

  • infirm

    formal; describes long-term physical weakness due to old age or illness

反義詞
  • strong

    the direct opposite in terms of physical strength

  • vigorous

    full of energy, strength, and good health

文法句型

feeble + noun

be / feel / grow / become + feeble

feeble with [cause]

用法筆記

Predicate use ('feel feeble', 'grow feeble') is common when describing a person's current state. Attributive use ('a feeble voice', 'feeble legs') often carries a tone of concern or pity. Frequently used in medical and caregiving contexts. Contrast with 'frail', which suggests a delicate, thin build rather than temporary or acute weakness.

常見錯誤

❌I felt feeble after jogging for ten minutes.
✅I felt weak after jogging for ten minutes.
💡'Feeble' suggests a more serious or alarming lack of strength; normal exercise tiredness calls for 'weak' or 'tired'.
❌The feeble baby could not sleep.
✅The weak / tiny baby could not sleep.
💡'Feeble' is not used for healthy newborns; it implies illness or decline.

2. not strong, convincing, or effective enough to achieve the intended result — use

2.形容詞B2
釋義

not strong, convincing, or effective enough to achieve the intended result — used about excuses, arguments, jokes, efforts, or explanations that fail to persuade or impress

例句

The lawyer's feeble argument did not convince the judge or the jury.

feeble argument — collocation for unconvincing reasoning

Mei gave a feeble excuse about missing the bus, and her teacher did not believe her.

同義詞
  • weak

    more general and less judgmental than 'feeble'

  • lame

    informal; specifically of excuses, jokes, or explanations that are unconvincing

  • pathetic

    stronger disapproval, often with a sense of contempt

  • half-hearted

    focuses on lack of effort rather than lack of effect

反義詞
  • convincing

    opposite of a feeble argument or excuse

  • effective

    opposite of a feeble attempt or effort

  • powerful

    broad opposite for arguments, speeches, or performances

文法句型

feeble + noun (excuse / argument / attempt / joke / effort)

用法筆記

Almost always used as a criticism — the speaker thinks the excuse, argument, or effort was far below what was needed. Commonly found in evaluative contexts (reviews, feedback, reporting). Unlike Sense 1, this sense cannot describe a person directly (you cannot say 'He is feeble' to mean his arguments are weak — you must say 'His argument is feeble').

常見錯誤

❌His feeble reasons were accepted by the committee.
✅His feeble reasons were rejected by the committee.
💡'Feeble' (Sense 2) means weak and unconvincing, so the natural outcome is rejection, not acceptance.
❌She is a feeble manager.
✅Her management style is feeble.
💡Use 'feeble' for the thing (the argument, effort, style), not the person directly.