fragile egos

USAGE SUMMARY

'fragile egos' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to talk about how a person's sense of self-confidence is easily damaged by criticism, or when suggesting that someone is overly sensitive to criticism. For example, "Some people have fragile egos and become defensive when criticized."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Comedy writers have the most fragile egos.

The New Yorker

We all, when prodded, could reveal examples of our strangeness or our silly, fragile egos.

Independent

The wine cellars are "needed" in order to support fragile egos.

The New York Times

"We all have fragile egos, and you can shut it down if one takes things the wrong way," he said.

Cornell University

University, full of fragile egos and unformed identities, was a constant struggle to assert one's self.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's no longer the time for fragile egos and thin-skinned national pride.

The Guardian

The medical profession as a whole abounds with fragile egos and deep vulnerabilities.

The Guardian - Opinion

Many men wanted to defend themselves against the charge that their fragile egos resist a challenge.

The New York Times

The room — a cavernous ballroom containing people with fragile egos and wearing uncomfortable clothes — is notoriously difficult for a comic.

The Washington Post

The United States and Russia are both led by men with fragile egos and a tendency to act impulsively.

The Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Sitting waiting for the result – which was delayed by several hours as the judges deliberated – they swapped jokes about the Italian prosecutors in the case and their "eggshell-fragile" egos.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about groups, specify which individuals possess "fragile egos" to avoid generalizations.

Common error

Avoid using "fragile egos" in overly casual settings; opt for simpler language unless aiming for a specific effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fragile egos" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, where "fragile" modifies the noun "egos". This indicates a state of vulnerability or sensitivity of one's self-esteem. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fragile egos" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term that describes individuals or groups with a heightened sensitivity to criticism and a vulnerable sense of self-worth. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's suitable for written English and finds frequent use in news, academic, and business contexts. When using "fragile egos", it's best to be specific about who possesses these traits and to avoid overuse in overly casual settings. Alternatives like "vulnerable self-esteem" or "delicate sensibilities" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey. In summary, "fragile egos" is a useful phrase for analyzing and describing certain psychological or social dynamics, but careful consideration should be given to context and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sensitive egos

This uses a more direct and simple descriptor of ego sensitivity.

delicate egos

This alternative uses the word "delicate" instead of "fragile" to convey a similar meaning.

susceptible egos

This focuses on the tendency to be easily affected or influenced.

easily bruised egos

This uses a more vivid metaphor to describe the susceptibility to damage.

brittle egos

This implies a lack of flexibility and proneness to breaking under pressure.

vulnerable self-esteem

This alternative emphasizes the easily damaged nature of one's self-worth.

easily wounded pride

This highlights the pride aspect of the ego and its vulnerability.

thin-skinned personalities

This describes individuals who are highly sensitive to criticism.

insecure self-image

This emphasizes the underlying insecurity that leads to fragility.

delicate sensibilities

This highlights the easily offended or upset nature of individuals.

FAQs

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

You can use "fragile egos" to describe individuals or groups who are easily offended or whose self-esteem is easily damaged by criticism. For example, "Comedy writers have the most "fragile egos"".

What are some alternatives to saying "fragile egos"?

Some alternatives include "vulnerable self-esteem", "delicate sensibilities", or "sensitive egos" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "fragile egos" in formal writing?

Yes, "fragile egos" is appropriate in formal writing, particularly when discussing psychology, social dynamics, or professional relationships. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your piece.

What causes someone to have "fragile egos"?

Factors such as low self-esteem, past traumas, societal pressures, and a lack of positive reinforcement can contribute to "fragile egos". It's a complex interplay of personal experiences and psychological factors.