fragile relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fragile relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a relationship that is delicate, unstable, or easily damaged, often referring to personal, professional, or diplomatic connections. Example: "After the recent argument, their fragile relationship was put to the test, and they both knew they needed to communicate better."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's a client relationship — a fragile relationship of people leaning on each other.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The uproar over the OCE, however, could hurt the fragile relationship.

The Washington Post

At highest risk is the fragile relationship between the president and prime minister.

The New York Times

And each day of continued conflict damps the chances of re-establishing even the fragile relationship that governed previous talks.

The New York Times

You may be surprised to find shades of your own life in Evelyn and Cynthia's fragile relationship.

The Guardian - Film

It's only when their fragile relationship come to a head does Jackie learn they have something in common.

The Guardian - Sport

But they could include both sanctions against Russian officials involved in the attack and covert measures — any of which would be likely to fray an already fragile relationship.

The New York Times

A Cannes debut hopefully awaits Michael Haneke's first film since Amour, about a group of people who meet online and explore "the fragile relationship between media and reality".

The Guardian - Film

He also said he did not think the ads would offend Microsoft, a company that has a relatively fragile relationship with Apple.

The New York Times

"It's a very fragile relationship, that between the academic institution and the community organization," says Lanese Aggrey, director of academic service learning at the University of Texas, Austin.

The New York Times

You might call him a policeman, but he'd probably prefer to be considered a detective or maybe an auditor in the complex, fast-changing, and often fragile relationship between computers and people.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "fragile relationship", be specific about the factors contributing to its fragility. For instance, mention the lack of trust, communication issues, or external pressures that make it susceptible to damage.

Common error

Avoid using "fragile relationship" as a generic term. Instead, pinpoint the exact aspects of the relationship that are weak or vulnerable, providing context and examples to support your assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fragile relationship" functions as a noun phrase, where "fragile" modifies the noun "relationship". It describes a type of relationship characterized by its vulnerability and instability. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is common in describing various types of interpersonal connections.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fragile relationship" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe relationships that are easily damaged or unstable. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various domains, particularly in News & Media. When employing this phrase, it's best to specify the factors contributing to the fragility, avoiding overgeneralization. While "delicate relationship" and "tenuous relationship" serve as close alternatives, "fragile relationship" clearly conveys the vulnerability and need for care within the connection. The phrase appears frequently in neutral contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shaky relationship

Implies a lack of stability and potential for collapse, similar to "fragile relationship" but emphasizing the instability.

delicate relationship

Suggests that the relationship requires careful handling to avoid damage; emphasizes the need for sensitivity.

tenuous relationship

Highlights the lack of a strong foundation and the ease with which the relationship could be broken.

precarious relationship

Focuses on the uncertainty and risk associated with the relationship; suggests it is in danger.

unstable relationship

Emphasizes the inconsistency and unpredictability within the relationship.

vulnerable relationship

Highlights the susceptibility of the relationship to external pressures or internal conflicts.

uncertain relationship

Indicates a lack of clarity or confidence about the future of the relationship.

sensitive relationship

Stresses the need for caution and awareness due to potential emotional reactions or complications.

uneasy relationship

Highlights the discomfort and tension present within the relationship.

thin relationship

Suggests a lack of depth and substance in the connection between individuals.

FAQs

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

You can use "fragile relationship" to describe a connection that is easily damaged. For example: "The ongoing dispute has made their once close friendship a "fragile relationship"."

What can I say instead of "fragile relationship"?

You can use alternatives like "delicate relationship", "tenuous relationship", or "shaky relationship" depending on the context.

What makes a relationship considered a "fragile relationship"?

A "fragile relationship" is typically characterized by a lack of trust, poor communication, unresolved conflicts, or external pressures that make it susceptible to breakdown.

How can you repair a "fragile relationship"?

Repairing a "fragile relationship" often requires open communication, empathy, a willingness to compromise, and addressing the underlying issues that contributed to its fragility.