fragile population

USAGE SUMMARY

"fragile population" is a correct and usable phrase in written English, especially in academic or scientific writing.
It refers to a group of people who are vulnerable and easily affected by external factors such as disease, poverty, or economic instability. Example: "The government's lack of healthcare provisions has led to a rise in mortality rates among the fragile population living in poverty-stricken areas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

"You are dealing with a very vulnerable and fragile population," she said.

The New York Times

Marine experts say they are extremely concerned about the possible impact on a fragile population of western grey whales.

The Guardian

Many ecologists trained there (including one of Britain's leading scientists, Lord Johnn) Krebs), and the research carried out at Tour du Valat helped save France's fragile population of greater flamingos from extinction.

The Guardian

But as both those who are assembling the Cantor document and those about to open it realize, the Book could well be yet one more minefield for a bruised and fragile population of survivors.

The New York Times

She said expansions of the program and the state's failure to enforce eligibility rules had overwhelmed the system, and the fragile population for whom Medicaid was created could not find physicians willing to take them.

The New York Times - Health

"The other thing that is built into this programme is that we go and meet the group beforehand," says Funnell. "It's a very fragile population so this can help.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

The birds' rapid decline is attributed to intensive farming, urbanisation, encroachment on habitats, and failure to sustain fragile populations.

The Guardian

She was drawn to fragile populations like Tibetan boys who had been selected as reincarnated lamas and a dying Gallic community on Tory Island, off Ireland.

The New York Times - Arts

Unlike Britain's native hornets however, they are specialised predators of honey bees, raising fears they would be detrimental to fragile populations that have already suffered years of decline.

The Guardian

Great apes comprise a small percentage of the bushmeat trade in Africa five percent, or less but these highly vulnerable animals are still illegally hunted, and even a small dent in their already fragile populations can have a devastating impact.

The Guardian

Conservationists have warned that inadequate law enforcement and ineffective management of protected areas, and infrastructure development occurring within and close to Vietnam's protected areas will only exert additional pressures on already fragile populations of species.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fragile population", clearly define which specific vulnerabilities affect the population you are discussing. This adds precision and avoids generalizations.

Common error

Avoid assuming that all members of a group are equally "fragile". Acknowledge individual differences and varying levels of resilience within the population.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fragile population" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. It identifies a group of individuals characterized by their vulnerability and susceptibility to harm or negative impacts, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fragile population" is a grammatically correct and frequently used term to describe a group of people who are particularly vulnerable. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is most commonly found in news and scientific contexts. When using "fragile population", it is important to define the specific vulnerabilities affecting the population. Alternatives include "vulnerable group" or "at-risk community". Overgeneralizing the fragility is a common error, so acknowledge individual differences and varying resilience levels within the population. In summary, "fragile population" is a valuable term when used precisely and sensitively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vulnerable group

Focuses on the susceptibility of the group, emphasizing their need for protection.

at-risk community

Highlights the potential dangers and threats faced by the community.

susceptible demographic

Emphasizes the demographic's predisposition to negative impacts.

endangered segment

Implies a risk of decline or disappearance within the segment of the population.

threatened people

Directly states the existence of threats to the wellbeing of the people.

marginalized sector

Indicates a sector of the population facing systemic disadvantages.

unprotected citizenry

Stresses the lack of safeguards for the citizens in question.

sensitive cohort

Highlights the cohort's heightened sensitivity to external factors.

unstable demographic

Highlights the demographic's lack of stability due to external factors.

delicate demographic

Focuses on how carefully the demographic must be treated.

FAQs

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

You can use "fragile population" to describe a group vulnerable to specific risks. For instance, "The elderly are a "vulnerable group" and a "fragile population" during flu season".

What are some synonyms for "fragile population"?

Alternatives include "vulnerable group", "at-risk community", or "susceptible demographic". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to refer to a group of people as a "fragile population"?

Yes, it is appropriate when accurately describing a population with specific vulnerabilities. However, be mindful of the potential for stigmatization and ensure the term is used with sensitivity and precision.

What factors might make a population "fragile"?

Factors can include poverty, lack of access to healthcare, environmental threats, social marginalization, and political instability. Understanding the specific factors is crucial for effectively addressing the needs of the "vulnerable group".