frailness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "frailness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the quality of being weak or delicate, often in reference to physical or emotional states. Example: "The frailness of the elderly man was evident as he struggled to walk without assistance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

On a number of assignments towards the end of her career – her frailness forced her to relax an absolute ban on extraneous people – I was lucky enough to go with her.

The Guardian - Arts

His lawyers said he was unwell.So, despite Mr Wahid's frailness and poor eyesight, the two strokes he has suffered and the help he needs to get around, the 59-year-old president ended up with everything he apparently wanted as far as anyone can ever divine his wishes.

The Economist

The German Pontiff, who sent shock waves through the Catholic Church in February this year when he announced he would be the first Pope to quit the post in modern times, had said his increasing physical frailness meant he was not up to the job.

Independent

It was "a voice that is heartbreaking in its reedy frailness," you say, and add that her character is so ill at that point that "her tongue twitches, and she cannot feed herself".

The Guardian

Comstock of Keep The Aspidistra Flying shares Winston's frailness and can only sigh as girls in the street pass him by, their "cruel youthful eyes" going "over him and through him as though he had not existed".

The Guardian - Books

Despite his visible frailness, Michael's repeated message – appropriate to the season and his position in front of a Christmas tree – was of joy.

The Guardian

The man himself has a similarly ethereal presence, with his shoulder-length hair, his height (6ft 6in), his thinness and frailness, and his aura of contemplation.

The Guardian - Music

But allowing for the frailness of our moral courage, there's still hope that our awareness of history — of Nazism, Stalinism, events in Bosnia, Cambodia and Rwanda, and of Milgram's experiments — will inoculate us against the possibility that we ourselves would connive in acts of cruelty.

The New York Times - Books

Christine Breslin's Polaroid transfer portraits have a magnetic frailness to them while Barbara A. Harder's passive, abstract monotypes seem to lack enough emotional punch to get them past the benign.

The New York Times

Sims landed in New York at a cultural moment when the city's aesthetic arbiters were ready to embrace her alongside the doe-eyed frailness of blondes like Twiggy, who came to New York at about the same time.

The New York Times - Magazine

Ms. Fonda herself sings in that scene, in a voice that is heartbreaking in its reedy frailness.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "frailness", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. It often implies a delicate or weakened state, which can be physical, emotional, or even moral.

Common error

Avoid using "frailness" when you specifically mean something is easily broken. "Frailness" refers to a state of weakness, while "fragility" refers to the likelihood of breaking. Use "fragility" for objects and "frailness" for beings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "frailness" is that of a noun, representing the state or quality of being frail. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing examples where it acts as a noun to describe a condition or characteristic.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "frailness" is a grammatically correct noun that denotes the state of being frail, encompassing weakness, delicacy, and vulnerability. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and appropriateness in various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, its usage leans toward neutral to formal registers. To avoid common errors, distinguish "frailness" from "fragility", using the former for describing a state of being and the latter for describing the likelihood of breaking. When choosing alternative words, consider the specific nuances of feebleness, weakness, or fragility to best fit your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feebleness

Emphasizes a lack of strength or vigor.

weakness

A general term for a lack of physical or mental strength.

fragility

Highlights the susceptibility to damage or breakage, often implying delicacy.

delicacy

Focuses on the fineness and vulnerability of something.

infirmity

Refers to a physical or mental weakness or disability, especially due to old age.

debility

Indicates a state of being weak or feeble, often after an illness.

vulnerability

Emphasizes the susceptibility to harm or attack.

tenuousness

Highlights the lack of strength or substance.

decrepitude

Focuses on the state of being weakened by old age.

lack of robustness

Indicates a deficiency in strength and health.

FAQs

How can I use "frailness" in a sentence?

You can use "frailness" to describe a state of being weak or delicate, such as "The frailness of the elderly patient required constant care".

What are some alternatives to using "frailness"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "feebleness", "weakness", or "fragility".

Is "frailness" the same as "fragility"?

"Frailness" and "fragility" are similar but not identical. "Frailness" typically refers to a state of being weak, while "fragility" suggests something is easily broken.

What does "frailness" imply about a person?

"Frailness" often implies a combination of physical weakness, vulnerability, and delicacy. It suggests a need for care and protection.