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feeble
adjective

- weak, lacking in strength
- deficient in qualities or resources that indicate vigor, authority, force, or efficiency, inadequate, inferior

(Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

The French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau once said "A feeble body weakens the mind." For example, we use the adjective "feebleminded" to refer to someone who is mentally deficient. While Rousseau's statement sounds logical, Queen Elizabeth I was not fully convinced as she was quoted as saying, "I know I have the body of a weak and feeble woman, but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too."

Feeble is basically a synonym for weak and is often associated with elderly people who lack energy or strength. However, things or objects can also be feeble.

A weak lamp might be described as giving out feeble light. Or if you give someone a gift that they have wanted for a long time and all you get is a simple "thank you," that could be described as a feeble response.

The word feeble is from the 12th century and stems from the Latin flebilis (lamentable, something to be wept over) and "flere" (to weep, cry shed tears) by way of the Modern French "faible."
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SYNONYMS

dainty, decrepit, delicate, frail, impotent, lame, languid, powerless, weak

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SMUGGLE OWAD into today's conversation

"He gave a feeble answer when asked why he wanted to join our company."