WordGarden.iofragility
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /frædʒˈɪlɪti/
US
- /frəˈdʒɪləti/
Meanings
Noun
the quality of being easily broken, damaged, or weakened
emotional vulnerability or sensitivity to distress
instability or vulnerability in an institution, economy, or other system
Beyond the definition
Fragility isn't just about things that shatter easily—though glass is a clear example. It describes the quality of being delicate, vulnerable, or easy to damage. A beautiful porcelain doll shows physical fragility, but a fragile peace treaty is one that can be broken by conflict. We often talk about emotional fragility when describing someone who is sensitive and easily hurt. Think of a butterfly's wings—stunningly beautiful, yet incredibly fragile.
Fragility can be literal, like the fragility of an antique vase, or metaphorical, like the fragility of human life. A character in a novel might display fragility after experiencing trauma, needing gentle handling and support. Sometimes, recognizing fragility—in ourselves or others—is the first step toward offering protection and care.
Fragility describes the state of being easily broken, damaged, or vulnerable—both physically and emotionally. It's more than just weakness; it implies a delicate nature that requires careful handling. Think of a spiderweb glistening with dew—breathtakingly intricate, but one wrong touch could destroy it. That's fragility in action.
We often associate fragility with physical objects: "The fragility of the ancient artifact required special preservation techniques." But the word extends far beyond the material world. We speak of the "fragility of ecosystems" when discussing their vulnerability to environmental changes, or the "fragility of democracy" when highlighting its susceptibility to threats like misinformation and extremism.
Fragility can also describe a person's emotional state. Someone experiencing grief or trauma might be described as emotionally fragile, meaning they are easily upset or overwhelmed. Recognizing this fragility is crucial for offering support and understanding. It's about acknowledging that some things—and people—need extra care to withstand the pressures of life.
The concept of kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, beautifully illustrates a perspective on fragility. Instead of hiding imperfections, kintsugi highlights them, celebrating the history and resilience embedded within the cracks. This embodies an understanding that even in its brokenness, something can be beautiful and valuable.
So, whether you're describing a delicate object, a vulnerable system, or a sensitive heart, fragility speaks to the inherent vulnerability of existence—and the importance of treating everything with care and respect.
Examples
- 1
Delicate object
Please handle the old vase gently because of its fragility.
- 2
Medical concern
The doctor was worried about the fragility of his bones after the injury.
- 3
Infrastructure
The storm showed the fragility of the wooden bridge.
- 4
Peace agreement
The ceasefire exposed the fragility of the peace agreement.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Emotional tone
Her voice sounded calm, but there was a hint of fragility beneath it.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- brittleness
- precariousness
- susceptibility
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- emotional fragility
- structural fragility
- financial fragility
- fragility of life
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- fragilitynoun
Forms
- fragilitiespluralnoun