fragility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fragility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the quality of being easily broken, damaged, or vulnerable, often in a physical, emotional, or metaphorical sense. Example: "The fragility of the ecosystem is a concern for environmentalists who advocate for sustainable practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rather than acting as a tool to unearth the fragility of the human psyche, the effect is the equivalent to Dirty Dancing if Johnny Castle was crippled by, say, Tourette syndrome.

The Guardian - Film

Chester-le-Street showed that there's a psychological fragility about the side to complement the more obvious technical flaws that blighted the first two defeats in this series.

The Guardian - Sport

All I could say was that it felt easier to deal with the pain than consider the fragility of life.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There is often a fragility and lightness to it, unlike the richer colours of the sunset.

The Guardian

James suggested this pointed to a mix of determination and emotional fragility.

The Guardian - Opinion

It said it was "to some extent not a surprise" that Sierra Leone's health system had been "overwhelmed" by the Ebola outbreak given the continued fragility of its infrastructure since the civil war, which ended in 2002.

The Guardian

It would be easy to be cheered by the fragility of the no campaign.

The Guardian - Opinion

In Germany, 'welfare state' means that citizens are covered in all situations of fragility, while in Italy I always have the impression that in order to survive you have to know someone, have links with particular individuals".

The Guardian

"It made me aware of the fragility of our existence.

The Guardian

The fragility of the countdown is illustrated in the districts of Kenema and the remote diamond mining district of Kono.

The Guardian

Flowers bedeck the fragility of the convict and I garlanded myself, lovingly pursuing a journey through sweat, sperm and blood that led to prison.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fragility" to describe inherent weaknesses or susceptibilities within systems, structures, or even emotional states. This term is particularly effective when highlighting the potential for collapse or damage under stress.

Common error

Avoid using "fragility" when describing minor issues or inconveniences. "Fragility" implies a fundamental weakness that could lead to significant negative outcomes, not just temporary setbacks.

Linguistic Context

The noun "fragility" functions primarily as an abstract noun, denoting the quality or condition of being fragile. It is often used to describe the state of something easily broken, damaged, or weakened, as shown in Ludwig's examples related to psychological states, economic conditions, and physical infrastructure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

22%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fragility" is a commonly used noun that describes the state or quality of being easily broken, damaged, or vulnerable. Ludwig's analysis confirms its correct grammatical status and highlights its frequent use in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts. While adaptable to different situations, it's important to use "fragility" accurately, avoiding over application to minor issues. Considering synonyms like "vulnerability" or "instability" can enhance precision. As demonstrated by numerous examples, "fragility" effectively conveys inherent weaknesses within systems and structures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Vulnerability

Highlights the susceptibility to harm or damage.

Instability

Emphasizes the lack of firmness or steadiness.

Delicacy

Focuses on the fineness and susceptibility to damage.

Frailty

Conveys a state of being weak and delicate, often associated with age.

Weakness

Indicates a lack of strength or resilience.

Precariousness

Suggests a state of uncertainty or risk.

Breakability

Directly refers to the capacity to be broken.

Sensitivity

Implies a high degree of responsiveness to external factors.

Uncertainty

Highlights the unpredictable nature and potential for adverse outcomes.

Lack of resilience

Directly states the absence of the ability to recover quickly from difficulties.

FAQs

How can I use "fragility" in a sentence?

You can use "fragility" to describe the state of being easily broken or damaged, such as "the fragility of the peace treaty" or "the fragility of the ecosystem".

What words can I use instead of "fragility"?

You can use alternatives like "vulnerability", "instability", or "delicacy" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "economic fragility"?

Yes, "economic fragility" is a commonly used phrase to describe the unstable or vulnerable state of an economy. The phrase implies that the economy is susceptible to shocks and downturns.

What's the difference between "fragility" and "vulnerability"?

"Fragility" emphasizes the ease with which something can be broken or damaged, while "vulnerability" highlights the susceptibility to harm or negative impacts. "Fragility" focuses on the inherent weakness, whereas "vulnerability" focuses on the potential for harm.