fragile commitment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fragile commitment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a commitment that is weak, unstable, or easily broken. Example: "Their fragile commitment to the project became evident when they failed to meet the deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Gazing at this corrupt world these men believe they have found its point of vulnerability in the American mind -- in the fragile commitment of the American people to a permanent role in the Gulf.

The New York Times

In a speech today at the LSE, Labour's deputy leader announced a 'Keep the 0.7% / 2013 Promise' campaign because of what she called the Tories' "fragile" commitment to the target.

The Guardian

The row over spending on the pope's visit comes ahead of speech by Harman in which she is expected to warn that the UK is in danger of backtracking on the cross-party pledge to spend 0.7% of gross national income on overseas aid by 2013 because the Tories have only a "fragile" commitment to meeting the UN target.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Moreover, the fragile commitments from the members exacerbate the lower productivity of the beehives.

Agricultural and Food Economics

But Mr. Sharon may have missed his opportunity for a serious sweep through Gaza, hemmed in himself by domestic politics and a fragile new commitment from Washington to press for peace.

The New York Times

In our precarious and fragile world, loyalty, trust, commitment and love are the things that give us strength.

Huffington Post

As a result, collective memory and employee commitment become fragile.

The Economist

Our hard-won gains are fragile - so our commitment to the AIDS response must remain strong.

Unicef

Notably, Debatisse's studies have also demonstrated that commitment to fragile site instability depends on the same paucity of replication origins in different cell types, but that different chromosomal regions are committed in each cell type [ 31].

BioMed Research International

But the bill's proponents say that approach would postpone badly needed aid for months, leaving disaster-stricken Americans in the lurch and jeopardizing Washington's commitment to the fragile democracy in Colombia, the hemispheric hub for narcotics.

The New York Times

Such unpredictable and fragile transitions appeared to communicate commitment to, responsibility for and preservation of the woman and the family.

BMC Nursing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fragile commitment", consider the specific nuance you wish to convey: is it the weakness, instability, or susceptibility to disruption that you want to emphasize? Choose synonyms or related phrases accordingly for greater precision.

Common error

Avoid using "fragile commitment" when the commitment is merely untested or new. "Fragile" implies an existing vulnerability, not just a lack of established strength.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fragile commitment" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "fragile" modifies the noun "commitment". Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fragile commitment" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, albeit not very common, that describes a commitment that is weak, unstable, or easily broken. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and business. When using this phrase, consider whether "fragile" accurately reflects the intended meaning, as it implies a vulnerability to disruption. Alternatives such as "tenuous commitment" or "shaky pledge" may offer more precise nuances. Remember that while not incorrect to use "very fragile", it is best to opt for a stronger synonym if heightened emphasis is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tenuous commitment

Implies the commitment is weak and easily broken or disrupted.

precarious dedication

Highlights the unstable and potentially dangerous nature of the commitment.

shaky pledge

Suggests the commitment is uncertain and unreliable.

unstable promise

Emphasizes the fluctuating and inconsistent nature of the commitment.

wavering resolve

Focuses on the fluctuating determination behind the commitment.

hesitant engagement

Indicates a cautious and uncertain involvement.

weak undertaking

Highlights the lack of strength and certainty in the commitment.

delicate obligation

Implies the commitment is easily damaged or compromised.

vulnerable assurance

Emphasizes the susceptibility of the commitment to external threats.

questionable loyalty

Raises doubts about the sincerity and reliability of the commitment.

FAQs

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

You might say, "The peace treaty rests on a "fragile commitment" from both sides" or "The company's "fragile commitment" to environmental sustainability is undermined by its lack of investment in green technologies".

What are some alternatives to "fragile commitment"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "tenuous commitment", "precarious dedication", or "shaky pledge".

Is it redundant to say "very fragile commitment"?

While not strictly redundant, adding "very" to "fragile" doesn't significantly alter the meaning and can sound awkward. It's generally better to choose a stronger synonym if you wish to emphasize the weakness of the commitment.

What's the difference between a "fragile commitment" and a "weak commitment"?

While similar, "fragile commitment" suggests a commitment that is easily broken or damaged, whereas "weak commitment" simply implies a lack of strength or intensity. "Fragile" focuses more on the vulnerability to external factors.