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

Using these feeble old men only proved, once again, that the North was an evil regime that would stop at nothing to unify the Korean Peninsula under Communism. —Lee Chang-Dong, The New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2024

Opportunities were fewer and further between after that as City began to pick apart Chelsea’s feeble press, but three minutes before his substitution, Jackson was sent into a one-on-one with Stones in the left channel. —Sam Lee, The Athletic, 25 Jan. 2025

Each, in its own way, has exposed the feeble condition of progressive politics. —Ian Tuttle, National Review, 15 Jan. 2025

After making his feeble apology, Stephen heads home to burn the remaining copies of The Perfect Stranger, along with his wedding ring and his dead wife’s cardigan. —Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024