adjective

feeble

FEE-buhl/ˈfiːbl/

Weak in strength, force, or effectiveness.

The candle casts a feeble light that barely illuminates its surroundings.

A tiny candle flame barely illuminates a dark small area on otherwise white page, weak feeble light, not medical weakness.

Etymology

The pieces originally described something “to be wept over,” or lamentable. That sense developed into weakness, encompassing not only physical strength but also moral and intellectual vigor.

In context

Tenebrix6:48

he lit a lantern its feeble glow barely piercing the swirling Mist then as if summoned by the incantations he had learned

Twilight Curse in the Whispering Village: The Ancient Malediction That Doomed a Family Lineage

More examples

His legs feel feeble after weeks in bed.
She makes a feeble attempt to lift the suitcase.
That is a feeble excuse for missing the deadline.

Forms

feeble · feebler · feeblest

feebly adverb — With little strength, force, or effectiveness.

feebleness noun — The condition of lacking strength or effectiveness.

Similar words

weak: The broadest alternative, covering physical strength, force, and effectiveness.
frail: Emphasizes physical delicacy and vulnerability to injury or illness.
ineffective: Focuses on failure to produce results rather than physical weakness.