What does feebler mean?
Feebler is the comparative form of the adjective feeble, meaning weaker, frailer, or less effective than something else. Its uses range from the physical, as in a person or animal growing feebler through illness or age, to the figurative, as in a feebler argument, attempt, or version of a policy. The word often suggests a comparison involving diminished strength, capacity, or persuasive force rather than absolute incapacity. For example, a feebler defence may still be a defence, but one that is less effective than another. Feebler is especially useful when writing or speaking comparatively about something that is weakening, declining, or proving less convincing. The related noun feebleness names the condition of being feeble, while the adverb feebly describes an action performed weakly. The standard opposite is stronger, with sturdier and more robust providing related contrasts.
adjectiveComparative of feeble: weaker, frailer, or less effective than something else. It can describe a person, animal, argument, version, or attempt that lacks strength, vigour, or convincing force.
- Weaker, frailer, or less effective than something else.
"As the storm weakened, the feebler shelter became increasingly difficult to defend."
"The feebler of the two branches was removed before the storm arrived."
"Her feebler argument relied more on emotion than evidence."
Feebler is the comparative of feeble: it describes strength in decline, whether physical, mental, or argumentative.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of feebler
Feebler is the comparative form of feeble, an adjective that entered Middle English from Old French feble. The Old French word came from Latin flebilis, meaning weepy or weak, which is related to flere, the Latin verb meaning to weep. The modern sense of physical or figurative weakness developed from this older vocabulary of tearfulness and lassitude.
Related word forms
How feebler is actually used
Feebler is the standard comparative form of feeble; feeblest is the superlative. It can be applied literally to physical strength and figuratively to arguments, attempts, versions, or other things considered weak or ineffective. The term is generally neutral in register but may sound somewhat formal or literary.
Easily confused with feebler
Feebler means comparatively weaker or less effective, whereas feckless means lacking effective purpose or responsibility and often suggests carelessness or futility.