Dictionary

faintful en · ADJ

Etymology

From faint + -ful.

Meanings

1. Displaying weakness, frailty, or faintness; fainting; dejected
   • When I look into the dainty eyes / I wash away the tears built inside, / Voices unheard, children's faintful cries / Teardrops falling down in disguise. 2010, Concetta Tina Scarpitti, Mysterious Eyes:
   • The shepherd sighs upon the barren hills / To see his bleating lambs with faintful looks / Behold the vallies robb'd of springing flowers, / That whilom wont to yield them yearly food. 1825, John Payne Collier, Robert Dodsley, A select collection of old plays:
   • The heights dizzied her, spiralling stone promising faintful vistas. 2012, Casimir Greenfield, Bloodstones:
   • George's initial reaction to his assignments shows, he only vaguely comprehends what he is being asked to do, much less how to do it: “Founder! Founder! Those I thought I grasped, I gasped at; most signified not a thing to me. . . .Fist to brow I told them over, faintful list, and struck at each”. 2012, Derek C. Maus, Unvarnishing Reality:
   • Those who are sad are saddled / Those who are doubtful are downful / Those who are fearful are faintful / Those who are faintful are failure / Those who are defeated are deleted. 2015, Basil Essien, The Seekers' Elixir:

Forms