fragile

USAGE SUMMARY

"fragile" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe anything that is delicate and can easily break or be damaged. For example: "The china plate was so fragile that it broke as soon as I touched it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Instead of hope, there is, for many Zimbabweans, fear of what an all-powerful Mugabe means for the future of the country, and gloomy prophecies for an economy still fragile after the hyperinflation horrors of five years ago.

The Guardian

MAD playing in the minds of political strategists on either side of the border might just ensure that the two fragile coalitions in Dublin and Belfast survive for longer than many expected.

The Guardian

It was turquoise, but it was fragile – the band on it was weakening.

The Guardian

"The Ebola epidemic in western Africa overwhelmed fragile health systems, killed thousands of people, and highlighted major inadequacies in our ability to respond to global public health emergencies," said Amy Gutmann, the commission chair.

The Guardian

Having struggled through her previous three rounds, all of which went to a deciding set, the world No1 ripped apart the fragile game of Italy's Sara Errani 6-1, 6-3 and stands two wins away from a 20th grand slam title.

The Guardian - Sport

"The most far-reaching strategy for strengthening fragile cities involves investment in measures to boost social cohesion and mobility.

The Guardian

Did you see something that looks like a fragile plaque for a heart attack?

The Guardian - Tech

Related: David Cameron's new cabinet lineup But unions retain an important role in speaking up for organised labour, as well as the disorganised low-paid kind, those on fragile or zero-hours contracts, those easily bullied by junior managers, who are easily bullied in turn.

The Guardian

The ratings agency cited fragile and weakening banks as the main factor in its decision, stating: In order to maintain appropriate domestic bank capital levels, the Cypriot government will likely need to provide financial support to the country's banks that could threaten the sustainability of the government's debt burden So, who are the ratings agencies?

The Guardian

Icai said: "Our primary concern is that the portfolio of programmes and interventions in each DfID priority state, fuelled by the very substantial increase in funding, is not yet on a clear trajectory to make a real difference to fragile and conflict states, even if individual programmes are delivering basic services on the ground".

The Guardian

DfID's projects in fragile states lack a strong presence on the ground and are let down by staff who don't have language skills or cultural awareness, according to the report.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts like peace or economies, use "fragile" to emphasize their instability and the need for careful management.

Common error

While "fragile" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in very informal conversations; consider alternatives like "delicate" or "easily broken" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "fragile" primarily functions to describe a noun's susceptibility to damage or breakage. Ludwig examples show it modifies both concrete objects and abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "fragile" is a commonly used adjective to describe something easily broken or damaged, applicable to both physical objects and abstract concepts. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it appears frequently in news, formal business, and scientific contexts. When writing, use "fragile" to emphasize vulnerability or instability, but consider synonyms like "delicate", "frail", or "vulnerable" for nuanced meanings or to prevent overuse. Remember to use "fragile" to underline the need for careful management.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delicate

Emphasizes the fine or subtle nature of something that requires careful handling.

breakable

Directly states the potential for being broken.

easily damaged

Focuses on the ease with which something can be harmed.

vulnerable

Highlights the susceptibility to physical or emotional harm.

frail

Suggests weakness or lack of robustness.

easily broken

Specifically refers to the possibility of being broken.

unstable

Indicates a lack of stability or security.

precarious

Highlights the uncertainty or risk associated with something.

tenuous

Emphasizes the slightness or weakness of something.

insecure

Focuses on the lack of security or stability.

FAQs

How can I use "fragile" in a sentence?

You can use "fragile" to describe something easily broken or damaged, such as "The antique vase is extremely fragile", or to describe something delicate or unstable, such as "The peace agreement is fragile".

What are some synonyms for "fragile"?

Alternatives to "fragile" include "delicate", "frail", "breakable", and "vulnerable", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "fragile" instead of "weak"?

"Fragile" implies a susceptibility to being easily broken or damaged, while "weak" suggests a lack of strength. Use "fragile" when emphasizing the ease of damage, and "weak" when describing a lack of inherent power or force.

Is it correct to describe a person as "fragile"?

Yes, you can describe a person as "fragile", particularly to emphasize their emotional or physical vulnerability. For instance, "He is a very fragile person and gets easily depressed".