different between feeble vs powerless

English

Etymology

From Middle English feble, from Anglo-Norman feble (“weak, feeble”) (compare French faible), from Latin fl?bilis (“tearful, mournful, lamentable”). Doublet of foible.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?fi?b?l/
• Rhymes: -i?b?l

Adjective

feeble (comparative feebler, superlative feeblest)

1. Deficient in physical strength

   Though she appeared old and feeble, she could still throw a ball.
2. Lacking force, vigor, or efficiency in action or expression; faint.

   That was a feeble excuse for an example.

Synonyms

• (physically weak): weak, infirm, debilitated
• (wanting force, vigor or efficiency): faint

Derived terms

Translations

Verb

feeble (third-person singular simple present feebles, present participle feebling, simple past and past participle feebled)

1. (obsolete) To make feeble; to enfeeble.

References

• feeble in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
• feeble in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.

Anagrams

• beflee

Middle English

Adjective

feeble

1. Alternative form of feble

English

Etymology

From Middle English pouerles, powerles, equivalent to power +? -less.

Pronunciation

• (General American) IPA^(key): /?pa??l?s/
• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /?pa??l?s/
• Hyphenation: pow?er?less

Adjective

powerless (comparative more powerless, superlative most powerless)

1. Lacking sufficient power or strength.

   I admit that I am powerless over my hatred towards white people in ways that I am unable to recognize fully, both at this time and in the past.
2. Lacking legal authority.

   The traffic warden was powerless to stop me driving away.

Synonyms

• mightless
• strengthless
• weak
• vulnerable

Antonyms

• powerful
• strong

Derived terms

• powerlessly
• powerlessness
• superpowerless

Translations