foible

[foi-buhl]

noun

1. a minor weakness or failing of character; slight flaw or defect.

   an all-too-human foible.

   Synonyms: peculiarity, eccentricity, crotchet, quirk, frailty
   Antonyms: strength

2. the weaker part of a sword blade, between the middle and the point (forte ).

foible

/ ˈfɔɪbəl /

noun

1. a slight peculiarity or minor weakness; idiosyncrasy

2. the most vulnerable part of a sword's blade, from the middle to the tip Compare forte 1

Word History and Origins

Origin of foible¹

First recorded in 1640–50; from French, obsolete form of faible feeble

Word History and Origins

Origin of foible¹

C17: from obsolete French, from obsolete adj: _feeble

Synonym Study

See fault.

Example Sentences

He is an observational comedian, with an eye to the foibles of everyday life — long-term marriage, encounters at airports, the temptations of junk food — but he never pokes fun at anyone but himself.

From Los Angeles Times

He points at the foibles of others and refuses to hold himself to a higher standard.

From Salon

Bears have also continued to draw social media attention for their food-lusting foibles.

From Los Angeles Times

He starts off as a real guy with neuroses and problems and foibles.

From Los Angeles Times

Mama aye-aye has her little quirks and foibles.

From Salon

Related Words

• eccentricity 
• failing 
• frailty 
• idiosyncrasy 
• infirmity 
• peculiarity 
• quirk 
• shortcoming 
• weakness