FEEBLE Synonyms: 99 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

feeble

adjective

ˈfē-bəl

Definition of feeble next

as in weak

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

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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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of feeble The hottest quarterback right now is Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence, who had his career-best day last week against the feeble Jets. —

Kevin Cusick, Twin Cities, 21 Dec. 2025 Pavel Mintyukov’s feeble backhand pass was devoured by Hintz, who found Robertson gracefully entering the zone. —

Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 20 Dec. 2025 When Lamar Jackson was sacked at the Steelers’ 38-yard line as the final seconds ticked away, the Ravens’ feeble attempt at a two-minute drill coming up short, the quarterback angrily ripped off his helmet. —

Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 8 Dec. 2025 Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said when asked about the feeble pass-rush against Dallas. —

Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 5 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for feeble

Recent Examples of Synonyms for feeble

Adjective

Bangladesh’s woes have not improved much since Hasina’s ouster, with high inflation and a weak taka currency combining to erode real incomes for ordinary households.

— Charlie Campbell, Time, 13 Feb. 2026
Pinterest posted disappointing fourth-quarter results and gave weak guidance for first-quarter sales.

— Liz Napolitano,Darla Mercado, CFP®, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026

Definition of weak

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fee

feeble

feebleminded

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“Feeble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/feeble. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 14 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of feeble

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