WordGarden.iofragile
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /frˈædʒaɪl/
US
- /ˈfrædʒəl/
Meanings
Adjective
easily broken or damaged
physically weak or easily harmed because of poor health
easily disrupted, damaged, or made to fail
More meaningsFewer meanings
emotionally vulnerable or easily upset
Beyond the definition
Something fragile is easily damaged or broken – physically, emotionally, or even figuratively. Think of a glass ornament on a Christmas tree; it's beautiful but requires careful handling. You might describe a peace treaty as fragile, meaning it could be easily disrupted. Or you might say someone's confidence is fragile after experiencing a setback.
Fragile things need protection and gentle care. A doctor might tell a patient with a broken bone to treat the healing area as "fragile" for several weeks. The word comes from the Latin fragilis, meaning "easily broken." It's a reminder that some things, while precious, aren't built to withstand much stress.
The word "fragile" describes something delicate and easily damaged, whether physically or in a more abstract sense. We often associate it with objects – a fragile vase, a fragile antique, a butterfly's wing. These items require careful handling because they are susceptible to breaking or being harmed. You'll often see the word "Fragile" printed on shipping boxes to warn handlers to be gentle with the contents.
However, fragility isn't limited to physical things. It can also describe emotional states. A fragile ego might be easily bruised by criticism, and a fragile peace could be shattered by conflict. A person recovering from trauma may feel emotionally fragile for some time.
Figuratively, "fragile" can even apply to systems or concepts. We talk about the "fragility of ecosystems" when discussing environmental concerns, meaning they are easily disrupted. Or we might describe a political alliance as fragile if it's based on shaky ground.
The key element of fragility is vulnerability. Something fragile lacks resilience and requires protection. It's a reminder that even seemingly strong things can have weaknesses, and that gentleness and care are often essential for preservation – whether dealing with a delicate object, a sensitive emotion, or a precarious situation. So next time you see the word "fragile," remember it's not just about breaking; it's about needing to be handled with extra consideration.
Examples
- 1
Breakable objects
Be careful with those glasses; they're very fragile.
- 2
Historical documents
The museum keeps the fragile documents in a dark, cool room.
- 3
Physical health
His grandmother is still fragile after the surgery.
- 4
Emotional state
She was feeling fragile after the interview and didn't want to talk about it.
- Phrasefeeling fragile
feeling emotionally weak or easily upset
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Economy
Consumer confidence is still fragile, so many people are avoiding big purchases.
- 6
Peace agreement
The ceasefire remains fragile, and both sides know it could fail quickly.
- 7
Relationships
Their relationship felt fragile after months of constant arguing.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- fragile glass
- fragile health
- fragile peace
- handle with care
Word family
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Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- fragileadjective