emotionally fragile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "emotionally fragile" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is sensitive or easily affected by emotional stress or trauma. Example: "After the breakup, she felt emotionally fragile and needed time to heal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is at an emotionally fragile time.

The Guardian - Money

I lurch between being very confident and emotionally fragile.

The Guardian - Arts

Most of all, why was this team so emotionally fragile?

The Guardian - Sport

Catherine, his brilliant and emotionally fragile daughter, is struggling to get her own life together.

Columbia University

No other foe this season has so consistently made the Knicks appear so emotionally fragile.

The New York Times - Sports

It's for the best, he tells himself, for their emotionally fragile son, Nat.

The New York Times - Books

The families of police shooters Micah Johnson and Gavin Long are in an emotionally fragile place.

The Guardian - Opinion

To spare the emotionally fragile Ava, he moves in with his toughest daughter, Edna.

The New York Times - Books

Ambitious but emotionally fragile, Ms. Jones placed herself in Selznick's hands.

The New York Times

Death brings a myriad of costs at a time when families are emotionally fragile.

The Guardian - Money

Men are just as capable as women of being taken advantage of during emotionally fragile moments.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when using "emotionally fragile"; if the situation requires a stronger term, explore alternatives such as "emotionally unstable" or "emotionally vulnerable" to better suit the intended impact.

Common error

Avoid solely relying on "emotionally fragile" as a catch-all term; instead, provide specific details about the person's behavior or experiences to illustrate their vulnerability and paint a more nuanced picture of their emotional state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "emotionally fragile" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe someone's emotional state. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates a susceptibility to emotional distress and a lack of resilience. Examples in Ludwig show it describing people, teams, and even environments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

10%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "emotionally fragile" is a commonly used adjective phrase that describes a state of emotional vulnerability. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted, particularly in News & Media. While phrases like "emotionally delicate" and "emotionally vulnerable" can serve as alternatives, choosing the right term depends on the context and the specific nuance you wish to convey. Avoiding overuse and providing specific examples can make your writing more impactful. Understanding these nuances helps use "emotionally fragile" effectively, contributing to clear and empathetic communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emotionally delicate

Emphasizes the need for careful handling to avoid causing distress.

emotionally vulnerable

Highlights susceptibility to emotional harm or exploitation.

highly sensitive

Focuses on a heightened level of emotional responsiveness.

easily hurt

Directly conveys the ease with which the person can be emotionally wounded.

insecure

Highlights a lack of confidence and stability in emotional state.

emotionally unstable

Suggests a lack of emotional equilibrium and potential for erratic behavior.

easily overwhelmed

Emphasizes the ease with which the person becomes emotionally overloaded.

lacking resilience

Focuses on the inability to recover quickly from emotional setbacks.

emotionally brittle

Implies a tendency to break down easily under pressure.

emotionally shaky

Suggests an emotional state that is unsteady and prone to collapse.

FAQs

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

You can use "emotionally fragile" to describe someone who is easily hurt or overwhelmed by their emotions. For example, "After the traumatic event, she was left "emotionally fragile" and in need of support."

What can I say instead of "emotionally fragile"?

You can use alternatives like "emotionally delicate", "emotionally vulnerable", or "highly sensitive" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "emotionally fragile" or "mentally fragile"?

Both "emotionally fragile" and "mentally fragile" are correct, but they emphasize different aspects. "Emotionally fragile" focuses on the ease with which someone's feelings can be hurt, while "mentally fragile" suggests a broader vulnerability in their mental state.

What's the difference between "emotionally fragile" and "emotionally strong"?

"Emotionally fragile" describes someone who is easily upset or overwhelmed by their emotions, while "emotionally strong" describes someone who is resilient and able to cope with difficult emotions.