frail appearance

USAGE SUMMARY

'frail appearance' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use this phrase to describe a person or object that looks weak and delicate, for example: "The old man had a frail appearance, as if he had been weakened by years of hard labor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The repeated crises, along with his frail appearance, have stirred concern around the world.

The New York Times

As a child, Ladd was nicknamed "Tiny" because of his diminutive, frail appearance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He made a last frail appearance on a golf cart during the 2010 FIFA World Cup; his wife, Graca Machel, held up his hand to help him wave.South Africans have had time to get used to Mr Mandela's absence.

The Economist

Working in fashion, I've become almost inured to seeing piano-key ribs, but when I interviewed Richie for this newspaper earlier this year, I was so shocked by her frail appearance that it took me five minutes before I could frame a question.

The Guardian

«No one could imagine that behind Newton's large eyes and frail appearance hid one of the most prodigious brains in the world".

Huffington Post

In those last months, my dad took on that sunken, frail appearance while keeping that steely look in his eyes, creating an eerie resemblance to the image implanted in my brain of my grandfather.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Thereafter, it suited his colleagues and successors to airbrush his role out of the party's history – a job they performed so successfully that the sole public re minder of what had once been his national fame became his occasional and increasingly frail appearances at the grander sort of London memorial service.

The Guardian

Hitchens's frail physical appearance did not extend to his voice or his mind; both as sharp as cut glass.

The Guardian

Tiny and deceptively frail in appearance, she created sculptures - often many times her own size - until the end of her life, and they have been seen all round the world.

The Guardian

Sarah Miele initially struggles to convince that she is 12, but gradually makes us invest in this foul-mouthed waif whose frail physical appearance belies a steely determination and wisdom.

The Guardian

Your gaunt, frail physical appearance is alarming to yourself and your family.

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's "frail appearance", provide specific details (e.g., sunken eyes, pale skin) to create a vivid and nuanced picture for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "frail appearance" as a blanket term for elderly individuals. Be mindful of its implications of weakness and vulnerability; reserve it for situations where these aspects are genuinely apparent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "frail appearance" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective-noun combination. It modifies a subject by attributing to it the quality of appearing weak or delicate, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "frail appearance" is a descriptive term used to depict someone as physically weak or delicate. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its primary function as a modifier. While relatively uncommon, it's important to use it with sensitivity and precision, avoiding overgeneralization. When employing the phrase, consider providing specific details to enhance the description and consider alternatives like "delicate look" or "sickly aspect" to fine-tune the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delicate look

Emphasizes the fineness and fragility of someone's appearance.

weakened condition

Highlights the state of being physically diminished or impaired.

sickly aspect

Focuses on the unhealthy or ill-looking nature of someone's appearance.

unhealthy state

Describes the overall poor health reflected in one's look.

fragile figure

Draws attention to the easily breakable or delicate nature of a person's physique.

wan complexion

Spotlights the pale or bloodless quality of someone's skin, suggesting ill health.

feeble state

Indicates a general lack of strength or vitality in appearance.

gaunt features

Points to the hollow or haggard look of someone's facial characteristics.

etoliated aspect

Evokes an image of someone pale, drawn, and deprived of light or vigor.

diminished physique

Refers to a reduction in physical size or strength, impacting appearance.

FAQs

How can I use "frail appearance" in a sentence?

You can use "frail appearance" to describe someone who looks weak, delicate, or unwell. For instance, "Despite his "frail appearance", the old man possessed an incredible inner strength."

What are some synonyms for "frail appearance"?

Alternatives to "frail appearance" include "delicate look", "weakened condition", or "sickly aspect", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to describe someone as having a "frail appearance"?

It can be appropriate if the description accurately reflects their physical state and is used sensitively. Avoid using it as a derogatory or dismissive term. Be mindful of the context and implications.

What does it mean when someone is described as having a "frail appearance"?

A "frail appearance" typically suggests physical weakness, delicacy, and vulnerability. It can be indicative of old age, illness, or general poor health.