frail

USAGE SUMMARY

The word frail is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a person who is weak, fragile, or delicate. Example sentence: "She was a frail elderly woman with white hair and delicate hands."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Her small, frail frame and severe difficulties breathing have brought her to a rehabilitation clinic several miles from where her mother and five siblings live in the Mayan village of Quajarwalten.

The Guardian

In CCTV footage played at London's Southwark crown court, he was shown running off as Evans, described in court as "a very small, frail man", fell.

The Guardian

He offers the threat produced by the apparently unthreatening; small, plump, frail, he nonetheless conjures up a strangely devious menace.

The Guardian - Film

He was frail, feeble, dependent on loved ones to support him.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is when they are no longer slightly mad in this way that they start to look troublingly human and frail.

The Guardian - Sport

Instead of statistics, there are voices: scarred by shells; wracked with fear; choked by loss; frail with feigned bravery.

The Guardian

He grasps your hand firmly, looking up from his wheelchair straight into your eyes, all the time smiling, all the time pumping your hand, up and down, up and down, and you are surprised to realise that he is not as frail as his white hairs and his wrinkles would imply.

The Guardian - Books

"But who are you going to sue?" asks a frail, elderly lady two tables away.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Until we see a decisive shift in confidence, the business climate looks set to remain frail," warned Markit's Jack Kennedy.

The Guardian - Business

Weinstein stayed in Pakistan, each video missive showing him more frail – even though he said in one video that al-Qaida was providing his medications.

The Guardian

We will appeal, and if the hearing officer is completely independent and neutral, I am very confident the Wells Report will be exposed as an incredibly frail exercise in fact-finding and logic".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations of "frail", which can sometimes imply helplessness or lack of agency. Use it judiciously and with empathy.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "frail" as a descriptor. Instead, provide specific details about the person's condition, such as their mobility limitations or health challenges.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "frail" primarily functions to describe a state of physical or emotional weakness or fragility. It often modifies nouns referring to people, objects, or even abstract concepts like economies, as shown by Ludwig's examples. It provides insight into the subject's lack of resilience or strength.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "frail" is an adjective used to describe something or someone that is weak or easily damaged. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suggests it can effectively illustrate a lack of robustness or resilience. It is most commonly found in "news and media" contexts. While it's a valid descriptor, consider the connotations and opt for specific, empathetic language to avoid insensitivity. Related terms include "delicate", "fragile", and "weak". When writing, avoid over-reliance on "frail" by offering more detailed descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delicate

Emphasizes a subtle fragility, often implying beauty and refinement.

fragile

Highlights the ease with which something can be broken or damaged, both physically and metaphorically.

weak

A general term for lacking physical strength or power.

feeble

Suggests a marked decline in strength, often due to age or illness.

infirm

Implies a chronic weakness or disability.

vulnerable

Highlights susceptibility to physical or emotional harm.

decrepit

Indicates advanced age and dilapidation.

ailing

Describes a person who is unwell and gradually weakening.

debilitated

Focuses on the process of becoming weak or impaired.

unhealthy

Describes a general state of poor health, which contributes to weakness.

FAQs

How can I use "frail" in a sentence?

You can use "frail" to describe someone or something that is weak, delicate, or easily damaged. For example, "The "frail elderly" require extra care" or "The "frail economy" is struggling to recover".

What are some synonyms for "frail"?

Some synonyms for "frail" include "weak", "delicate", "fragile", "feeble", and "infirm". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to describe someone as "frail"?

While "frail" is a descriptive term, it can sometimes carry negative connotations. Use it with sensitivity and consider whether a more specific or empathetic term might be more appropriate. For example, you could say "someone with "limited mobility"" or "someone in poor health".

What does "frail" mean in the context of economics?

In economics, "frail" can describe a situation where the economy is "unstable", "vulnerable", or "struggling" to maintain growth. It suggests a lack of resilience to economic shocks.