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feeble

adjective/ˈfiː.bəl/

definition

lacking physical strength or vigor

example

Despite his feeble attempts to lift the heavy box, he ultimately needed help from his friend.

synonyms
weakfrailflimsy
word origin — Middle English 'feeble', from Old French 'feeble', from Latin 'febilis', meaning 'sickly, weak'.

SAT Vocabulary Level 2 — Set 84

Set 84 of SAT Vocabulary Level 2 covers 5 words: feeble, intricate, noxious, fraudulent, cynical. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. feeble · adjective/ˈfiː.bəl/

    lacking physical strength or vigor

    Despite his feeble attempts to lift the heavy box, he ultimately needed help from his friend.

    Synonyms: weak, frail, flimsy

    Origin: Middle English 'feeble', from Old French 'feeble', from Latin 'febilis', meaning 'sickly, weak'.

  2. intricate · adjective/ˈɪntrɪkɪt/

    having many complexly arranged elements or parts

    The artist created an intricate design on the pottery that showcased his exceptional skill and attention to detail.

    Synonyms: complex, elaborate, detailed

    Origin: from Latin 'intricatus', past participle of 'intricare' meaning to entangle or perplex

  3. noxious · adjective/ˈnɑːk.ʃəs/

    harmful, poisonous, or very unpleasant

    The factory released noxious fumes into the atmosphere, posing a serious threat to the health of nearby residents.

    Synonyms: harmful, toxic, poisonous

    Origin: from Latin 'noxius', meaning 'harmful' or 'hurtful', derived from 'noxae', meaning 'harm'.

  4. fraudulent · adjective/ˈfrɔː.dʒə.lənt/

    characterized by or involving deception, especially for the purpose of financial or personal gain

    The company was involved in a fraudulent scheme that misled investors and resulted in significant financial losses.

    Synonyms: deceptive, dishonest, misleading

    Origin: from Latin 'fraudulentus', which comes from 'fraus' meaning 'deceit' or 'fraud'

  5. cynical · adjective/ˈsɪnɪkəl/

    believing that people are generally selfish and dishonest

    Her cynical attitude made it difficult for her to trust anyone, as she believed everyone had ulterior motives.

    Synonyms: skeptical, mistrustful, sardonic

    Origin: from the Latin 'cynicus' and Greek 'kynikos', meaning 'dog-like', relating to the Cynics, a school of philosophy.