Synonyms of feeble

feeble

adjective

ˈfē-bəl 

as in weak

lacking bodily strength

feeble members of the congregation are not expected to stand or kneel during services

Synonyms & Similar Words

• weak
• weakened
• frail
• faint
• enfeebled
• disabled
• infirm
• wimpy
• debilitated
• slight
• paralyzed
• unsubstantial
• tired
• soft
• languid
• softened
• asthenic
• exhausted
• wasted
• vulnerable
• low
• effete
• prostrate
• delicate
• wimpish
• enervated
• injured
• tender
• incapacitated
• fragile
• down-and-out
• weary
• sapped
• challenged
• prostrated
• invalid
• unsteady
• impotent
• powerless
• decrepit
• flimsy
• drained
• lame
• dizzy
• damaged
• susceptible
• impaired
• hurt
• rocky
• groggy
• woozy
• breakable
• broken-down
• unsound
• resistless
• flagging
• worn-out
• yielding
• unresistant
• harmed

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• strong
• powerful
• mighty
• stout
• muscular
• rugged
• stalwart
• virile
• robust
• athletic
• hard
• sinewy
• beefy
• sturdy
• hardy
• tough
• brawny
• lusty
• husky
• fit
• vigorous
• able-bodied
• hardened
• strengthened
• energetic
• fortified
• sound
• healthy
• capable
• competent
• strapping
• energized
• hale
• toughened
• red-blooded
• inured
• vitalized
• invigorated
• recovering
• convalescing
• recuperating

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

Recent Examples of feeble

What a degrading finale for Biden’s feeble, forgettable, frequently foolish presidency. —Bret Stephens, The Mercury News, 3 Dec. 2024

Those with muscle dysmorphia usually have a belief or preoccupation that their body is weak, feeble, too small, or not muscular enough. —Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 3 Dec. 2024

Gone was the feeble, senescent, dysarthric figure whose condition, long denied by Democrats, became so obvious after his June debate with Trump that those same Democrats forced him to abandon his presidential run. —Jack Butler, National Review, 24 Nov. 2024

Her belief is that humans are fallible, feeble creatures that will always careen toward their own destruction. —Alex Abad-Santos, Vox, 18 Nov. 2024