feeble
feeble — adjective
- feeblepositive
- feeblercomparative
- feeblestsuperlative
1. having very little physical strength or energy, often because of age, illness, o
having very little physical strength or energy, often because of age, illness, or tiredness
After three weeks in hospital, Iris felt too feeble to walk to the bathroom alone.
predicative: feel too feeble + to-infinitive
The old dog's feeble legs could no longer carry him up the stairs.
collocation: feeble legs
Grandpa's voice was so feeble we had to lean close to hear him.
Niran's hands grew feeble after years of working in the cold warehouse.
The chick looked feeble and could barely lift its tiny head.
用法筆記
Often describes elderly people, patients recovering from illness, or very young animals. The word carries a tone of sympathy.
常見錯誤
2. not strong enough to achieve its purpose, to convince people, or to be taken ser
not strong enough to achieve its purpose, to convince people, or to be taken seriously
Rafael offered a feeble excuse about his dog eating the homework.
collocation: feeble excuse
The comedian's feeble jokes made the audience shift in their seats.
collocation: feeble jokes
Aarav dismissed the criticism as a feeble attempt to undermine his work.
The government's feeble response to the flood angered local residents.
Lan's feeble argument failed to convince anyone at the town hall meeting.
- ineffective
more neutral; feeblem adds a note of pity or disappointment
- unconvincing
used specifically when something fails to make people believe it
- lame
informal; used for excuses or jokes that are embarrassingly bad
- convincing
able to make people believe or agree
- forceful
having strong impact and authority
用法筆記
Commonly modifies nouns that name things expected to have force or quality — excuse, joke, attempt, argument, response. Distinguish from sense 1 (PHYSICALLY WEAK): this sense describes the quality of actions or communications, not bodily condition.