feeble-minded

[fee-buhl-mahyn-did]

adjective

1. lacking the normal mental powers.

2. Medicine/Medical.,  (no longer in technical use) mentally deficient.

3. stupid or foolish; not sensible.

   feeble-minded remarks.

4. Archaic.,  lacking firmness of mind; indecisive.

feeble-minded

adjective

1. lacking in intelligence; stupid

2. mentally defective

3. lacking decision; irresolute

Other Word Forms

• feeble-mindedly adverb
• feeble-mindedness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of feeble-minded¹

First recorded in 1525–35

Example Sentences

Bell, the high court’s notorious 1927 decision upholding the involuntary sterilization of “feeble-minded” people.

Read more on Slate

Bell, upholding Virginia’s compulsory sterilization law aimed at the “feeble-minded.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

We are now having to face the fact that this very feeble-minded person is back in charge.

Read more on Salon

Among the “defects” of others on the survey were wanderer, illiterate, feeble-minded, liar, deserted husband, town pauper, obstinate, alcoholic and bearer of stillborn twins.

Read more on Seattle Times

The eviction by the state was a catastrophe: Eight islanders were committed to the Maine School for the Feeble-Minded, according to the Maine Coast Heritage Trust.

Read more on New York Times