foible JUST WRITTEN FOR YOU

/ˈfɔɪbəl/ · foi·ble
noun
  1. A quirky habit, idiosyncrasy, or mannerism that is slightly strange or silly. Try to look past his foibles and see the friendly fellow underneath.
  2. A weakness or failing of character. His greatest foible was an inability to keep promises.
  3. The part of a sword between the middle and the point, weaker than the forte. The fencer used the foible of his blade to execute a delicate riposte.
adjective
  1. Weak; feeble. The old bridge was foible after years of neglect.
Did you know? In historical fencing, the foible is the flexible tip of the blade used for subtle thrusts, a term that also gave rise to the phrase ‘foibles and fancies’ in 17th‑century literature.
Written by Lexi Wordsworth, Dictionary Editor 0 lookups Added Jul 14, 2026