fragile

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/ˈfrædʒəl/
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Vulnerable to damage or failure when exposed to pressure.
Practice using fragile in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • He looked fragile the morning after the wedding.
  • Do not pressure her while she is feeling fragile.
  • I'm feeling a bit fragile after last night's party.
  • These old photographs are too fragile to display.
  • She skipped breakfast because she felt fragile.

Similar words

weak
precarious
vulnerable
vulnerable
breakable
weak
delicate
flimsy
rough
shaky

Meanings

Easy to break

adjective
objects
neutral
Easily broken, cracked, or damaged, so careful handling is needed.

Examples

  • Please wrap the fragile glasses in paper.
  • These old photographs are too fragile to display.
  • Is the sculpture fragile, or can we move it safely?
  • The label warns that the contents are fragile.
  • Even a small fall could damage the fragile shell.

Similar words

breakable
delicate
brittle
frail
flimsy

Weak or vulnerable

adjective
health
neutral
Physically or emotionally weak and easily harmed, often because of illness, age, stress, or shock.

Examples

  • Her health remained fragile after the operation.
  • He sounded emotionally fragile during the call.
  • The clinic cares for medically fragile children.
  • Do not pressure her while she is feeling fragile.
  • Sleep loss left him in a fragile state.

Similar words

frail
weak
vulnerable
delicate
sensitive

Easily disrupted

adjective
society
neutral
Weak or uncertain and likely to fail, end, or suffer serious harm under pressure.

Examples

  • The two sides reached a fragile peace.
  • One more shock could break the fragile economy.
  • Their fragile coalition survived the vote.
  • How can we protect this fragile ecosystem?
  • Trust between the teams is still fragile.

Similar words

unstable
precarious
vulnerable
tenuous
weak

Slightly unwell

adjective
health
informal
In British English, feeling slightly ill, tired, upset, or delicate, especially after drinking alcohol.

Examples

  • I'm feeling a bit fragile after last night's party.
  • She skipped breakfast because she felt fragile.
  • Are you still fragile, or do you want some coffee?
  • He looked fragile the morning after the wedding.
  • A quiet day helped me feel less fragile.

Similar words

unwell
rough
delicate
shaky
hungover

Etymology

Borrowed through French from Latin fragilis, meaning 'easily broken', from frangere, 'to break'. English has used it since the early sixteenth century.

FAQ

What does fragile mean?

Vulnerable to damage or failure when exposed to pressure.

How do you pronounce fragile in American English?

fragile is pronounced /ˈfrædʒəl/ in General American English.

What is the opposite of fragile?

Depending on the sense, opposites include tough, strong, stable, and secure.

Can a situation be fragile?

Yes. A fragile peace, economy, or relationship may fail when pressure is added.

What does feeling fragile mean in British English?

In informal British English, feeling fragile means feeling slightly ill, tired, upset, or hungover.

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