feeble
/ˈfiːbəl/
Group 9Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Lacking physical strength; weak; lacking effectiveness GRE
Example in Context
The government's feeble response to the crisis was widely condemned as inadequate by both domestic and international observers.
Synonyms
weakfrailflimsy
Etymology
From a lamentable state of weakness, it describes something weak and ineffective.
- flebilis (Latin) — lamentable
Memory Aid
🧚Sounds like “feeble”
A tiny fairy, so FEABLE that it gets blown away by a sneeze!
Visual Association
💪A small twig bending under the weight of a falling leaf, struggling to hold on.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “feeble” mean on the GRE?
feeble (adjective) means “Lacking physical strength; weak; lacking effectiveness”. The government's feeble response to the crisis was widely condemned as inadequate by both domestic and international observers.
How to remember “feeble” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “feeble” sounds like “feeble”. A tiny fairy, so FEABLE that it gets blown away by a sneeze!
What are synonyms for “feeble”?
Common synonyms: weak, frail, flimsy.