fragile structure

USAGE SUMMARY

"fragile structure" is correct and usable in written English
It is typically used to describe something (e.g. a building, system, or network) that is not firmly established or easily disrupted. For example, "The economy is based on a fragile structure that is easily upset by changes in international markets."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

A shock to this fragile structure would bring it down.

The New York Times

The civil war strained and eroded the fragile structure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Time haunts this fragile structure, which is drawn in blue ink.

The New York Times

"The prevailing system of arms control agreements is a complex and quite fragile structure," Mr. Ivanov said.

The New York Times

Much of the effort will rely on a one-of-a-kind exterior scaffolding system that will place no weight on the fragile structure.

The New York Times

I longed for him to slow down here and there, but he does keep his perilously fragile structure taut — there are no dead spots or hollowly righteous passages.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

"I'm interested in more fragile structures, creating an enclosure with a single thin skin".

The Guardian - Arts

At its most basic level, it's also about building sandcastles on the beach and what fragile structures they are.

The New York Times

Time seems to be working gently but inexorably against these fragile structures, bending and weathering them into harmony with their surroundings.

The New York Times

As Colette contemplates the "soft architecture" of the silhouetted tents, "the immensities heaped upon these fragile structures filled her eyes with tears".

The Guardian - Books

The blank white forms of her fragile structures have visual connections in a series of paintings by Ararat Sarkissian depicting vanished cities in Armenia.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific writing, this phrase is particularly effective for describing biological layers (like the glycocalyx) or chemical aerogels that require careful handling.

Common error

While "fragile structure" works for things that might physically break, do not use it to describe a process that is simply 'slow' or 'inefficient'. Use it only when there is a risk of total collapse or fundamental damage to the arrangement itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fragile structure" serves as a noun phrase where 'fragile' acts as a qualitative adjective modifying the head noun 'structure'. According to Ludwig, it functions as a descriptor for physical integrity or systemic stability. It is often found as the direct object of a sentence or as part of a prepositional phrase defining the state of a subject.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Social Media

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fragile structure" is a highly effective and grammatically correct phrase used to describe anything that lacks robustness or is prone to failure. Ludwig AI data shows that it is exceptionally common in scientific research to describe delicate materials or biological barriers and in journalism to metaphorically describe unstable political or economic systems. While alternatives like <a href="/s/delicate+structure" target="_blank" rel="alternative">delicate structure or <a href="/s/vulnerable+architecture" target="_blank" rel="alternative">vulnerable architecture are available, the main query remains the standard choice for emphasizing a precarious state of existence. Writers should feel confident using this phrase in academic, professional and editorial contexts to convey a sense of high-stakes instability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delicate structure

Suggests fineness and intricacy rather than just weakness

weak structure

A more generic term indicating a lack of strength

brittle structure

Implies a hardness that is prone to snapping under pressure

vulnerable architecture

Emphasizes susceptibility to external threats or damage

precarious system

Shifts focus to the danger of collapse in a functional or abstract context

unstable configuration

Technical phrasing often used in chemistry or physics

tenuous arrangement

Used for social or logical connections that are barely holding together

feeble construct

Carries a more critical or dismissive tone regarding the quality of build

breakable frame

More literal and informal, focusing on the physical outer support

flimsy organization

Commonly applied to poorly planned groups or logical arguments

FAQs

How do I use "fragile structure" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe delicate physical objects or sensitive systems. For example: "The researcher noted the <a href="/s/fragile+structure" target="_blank" rel="alternative">fragile structure of the ancient manuscript" or "The economic recovery remains a <a href="/s/fragile+structure" target="_blank" rel="alternative">fragile structure prone to market shocks".

What is the difference between a "fragile structure" and a "brittle structure"?

A <a href="/s/brittle+structure" target="_blank" rel="alternative">brittle structure is hard but snaps easily without bending, whereas a "fragile structure" is simply delicate and easily destroyed, often implying a lack of density or stability.

Can I use "fragile structure" for an organization?

Yes, it is common in business and political contexts to describe an <a href="/s/unstable+organization" target="_blank" rel="alternative">unstable organization or a complex system of agreements that could fail if one part is weakened.

What can I say instead of "fragile structure" in a technical report?

Depending on the field, you might use terms like <a href="/s/delicate+architecture" target="_blank" rel="alternative">delicate architecture, <a href="/s/vulnerable+framework" target="_blank" rel="alternative">vulnerable framework or <a href="/s/unstable+configuration" target="_blank" rel="alternative">unstable configuration.