fragile state

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fragile state" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a country or region that is experiencing instability, conflict, or weak governance. Example: "The international community is concerned about the fragile state of the nation, as it struggles with political unrest and economic challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"I was at a really fragile state".

The New York Times - Health

Parental choice is in a fragile state.

The Guardian

The fragile state of Inuit communities makes that hard.

The Economist

A: Nepal is currently in a very politically fragile state.

The New York Times

The fragile state of the world economy was blamed.

The Economist

He knows it exists but – it's a very fragile state".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Still, the hospital was in a fragile state, Ashaur said.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Honestly, do you want to carry around yet another heavy, fragile, state-of-the-art toy?

TechCrunch

Given the still-fragile state of the financial system, that's not a very smart idea.

The New York Times

Then, the dissipative non-fragile state estimator is designed successfully via linear matrix inequality method.

Neurocomputing

Meanwhile, a non-fragile state feedback control law and a switching law are designed.

Applied Mathematics and Computation

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a country as a "fragile state", provide specific examples of the challenges it faces, such as political instability, economic hardship, or social unrest.

Common error

Avoid attributing a "fragile state" solely to one factor. Fragility is often the result of complex, interconnected issues. Acknowledge the multiple contributing causes for a more accurate portrayal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fragile state" functions as a noun phrase typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it commonly describes nations or entities experiencing instability and vulnerability. It acts as a descriptor, providing insight into the condition of the subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fragile state" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a country or entity facing significant challenges to its stability and governance. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and appears frequently in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. Related phrases include "vulnerable condition" and "unstable situation". When using "fragile state", it's important to provide specific examples of the challenges the entity faces and avoid oversimplifying the causes of fragility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vulnerable condition

Focuses on the susceptibility to harm or damage, rather than the overall state.

unstable situation

Emphasizes the lack of equilibrium and the potential for sudden changes.

precarious position

Highlights the insecurity and risk associated with the state.

delicate balance

Suggests a state that can be easily disrupted, focusing on the equilibrium.

shaky ground

Implies a lack of solid foundation and potential for collapse.

tenuous state of affairs

Indicates a weak and uncertain situation, emphasizing its temporary nature.

insecure environment

Focuses on the lack of safety and stability within the surroundings.

brittle reality

Highlights the easily shattered or broken nature of the existing circumstances.

critical juncture

Emphasizes a decisive point where the future outcome is uncertain.

risky proposition

Highlights potential negative outcomes and uncertainties of action.

FAQs

How is the term "fragile state" typically used in a sentence?

The term "fragile state" is generally used to describe a country struggling with significant challenges to its stability and governance. For example, "The international community is working to support the "fragile state" in its efforts to rebuild after the conflict".

What are some alternative expressions for "fragile state"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "vulnerable state", "unstable state", or "precarious situation". Each option emphasizes slightly different aspects of the instability.

Is it appropriate to describe a developed country as a "fragile state"?

While primarily used for developing nations facing severe challenges, the term "fragile state" can sometimes apply to developed countries experiencing significant political or economic turmoil. However, it's crucial to assess whether the term accurately reflects the country's specific circumstances before applying it.

What differentiates a "fragile state" from a "failed state"?

A "fragile state" is characterized by weaknesses in governance, stability, and capacity, while a "failed state" has essentially collapsed, losing the ability to perform basic functions. A "fragile state" is at risk of failing, but it hasn't necessarily reached that point.