a fragile decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fragile decision" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a decision that is delicate, uncertain, or easily influenced by external factors. Example: "After much deliberation, she realized that it was a fragile decision, one that could easily be swayed by the opinions of others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Israeli and Palestinian leaders agreed on a plan for Israel to begin withdrawing its forces from areas of the Gaza Strip, while Palestinian factions neared a fragile decision to suspend violence against Israelis for three months.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The chancellor, Alistair Darling, deserves praise for getting the big decision about a fragile economy absolutely right.

The Guardian - Opinion

"A majority of 101 would be a fragile and dangerous majority when important decisions are involved, particularly if the budget comes to a vote of confidence," Ondrej Neff wrote in the newspaper Mlada Fronta Dnes.

The New York Times

In a fragile labour market, the Abbott government needs to rethink the impact that its decisions have on growth.

The Guardian - Opinion

I just thought it was such a bizarre decision to release the little runt puppy of the album because it's really just a fragile, eccentric, little song.

Huffington Post

It's a fragile ecosystem.

The New York Times

"Caves: A Fragile Wilderness".

The New York Times

"It's a fragile country".

The New York Times

This is a fragile serendipity.

The New York Times - Books

"There's a fragile balance.

The New York Times

It is a fragile existence.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a fragile decision", consider specifying the factors that make the decision fragile. This adds clarity and context to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a fragile decision" when the decision is simply unpopular or controversial. Fragility implies a genuine risk of the decision collapsing or being easily overturned due to specific, identifiable weaknesses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fragile decision" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "fragile" modifies the noun "decision", indicating a decision that is delicate or easily overturned. Ludwig examples show the phrase used in contexts where choices are vulnerable to external pressures.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fragile decision" describes a choice that is easily disrupted or overturned. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and functions to express caution about the instability of a decision, predominantly found in News & Media contexts. When using this phrase, consider clarifying what makes the decision fragile and avoid overstating its vulnerability. Alternatives like "a precarious decision" or "a delicate decision" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a precarious decision

Emphasizes the risk and instability associated with the decision.

a delicate decision

Highlights the sensitivity and care required when making the decision.

a vulnerable decision

Focuses on the susceptibility of the decision to external factors or negative consequences.

an unstable decision

Indicates the lack of firmness or permanence in the decision.

a risky decision

Underlines the potential for negative outcomes or failure.

a tentative decision

Suggests the decision is provisional and subject to change.

a shaky decision

Implies a lack of confidence or solid foundation for the decision.

an uncertain decision

Highlights the doubt and lack of clarity surrounding the decision.

a provisional decision

Similar to 'tentative', emphasizing the temporary nature of the decision.

a questionable decision

Raises doubts about the wisdom or validity of the decision.

FAQs

What does "a fragile decision" mean?

The phrase "a fragile decision" refers to a choice or determination that is easily overturned or susceptible to negative influences and external factors. It indicates a lack of stability or certainty in the decision.

How can I use "a fragile decision" in a sentence?

You might say, "The peace agreement was a fragile decision, threatened by ongoing violence" to show how easily the agreement could fail.

What can I say instead of "a fragile decision"?

You can use alternatives like "a precarious decision", "a delicate decision", or "a vulnerable decision" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to make a strong decision rather than "a fragile decision"?

Ideally, decisions should be robust. However, sometimes the circumstances only allow for "a fragile decision". Recognizing this fragility allows for proactive measures to protect the decision from being overturned.