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

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of feeble

Whatever the cause, and however feeble, watching Ben and Louise take a stand was a satisfying update for McNairy, who's a fan of the 2022 version. —Mike Miller, EW.com, 13 Sep. 2024

Clooney compared Biden’s appearance at the L.A. event to the president’s halting and feeble performance at the CNN presidential debate nearly two weeks later. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 13 July 2024

Even the appearance of the Rally Monkey, the Angels’ cult-favorite mascot, drew feeble applause. —Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2024

First, on October 7, 2023, Israel fell short on implementing three of the four pillars: its deterrence proved ineffective, its early warning systems failed, and its feeble ground defense collapsed before the massive Hamas invasion. —Assaf Orion, Foreign Affairs, 12 Sep. 2024