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fragile

adjective
frag·​ile | \ ˈfra-jÉ™l How to pronounce fragile (audio) , -ËŒjÄ«(-É™)l\

Definition of fragile

1a : easily broken or destroyed a fragile vase fragile bones
b : constitutionally (see constitutionally sense 1a) delicate : lacking in vigor a fragile child
2 : tenuous, slight fragile hope a fragile coalition
Other Words from fragile Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about fragile

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Other Words from fragile

fragility \ frÉ™-​ˈji-​lÉ™-​tÄ“ How to pronounce fragility (audio) \ noun

Choose the Right Synonym for fragile

fragile, frangible, brittle, crisp, friable mean breaking easily. fragile implies extreme delicacy of material or construction and need for careful handling. a fragile antique chair frangible implies susceptibility to being broken without implying weakness or delicacy. frangible stone used for paving brittle implies hardness together with lack of elasticity or flexibility or toughness. brittle bones crisp implies a firmness and brittleness desirable especially in some foods. crisp lettuce friable applies to substances that are easily crumbled or pulverized. friable soil

synonyms see in addition weak

Examples of fragile in a Sentence

Her health has always been very fragile. an artist with a fragile ego He is in an emotionally fragile state. The two countries have formed a fragile coalition.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Against smearing guitar, piano, and horns, Del Rey sings with recital-ready stateliness, even though her melodies are quavering and fragile. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, "Lana Del Rey’s Obituary for America," 30 Aug. 2019 The talented and imposing–but frequently fragile–center back missed the Gold Cup and has started just once for Berhalter. — Brian Straus, SI.com, "USMNT Turns to Rising Talents, Welcomes Back Old Faces vs. Mexico, Uruguay," 28 Aug. 2019 Where the print object is too rare or fragile to be seen in person, in such detail, the effect is profound. — Dan Chiasson, The New Yorker, "Reader, I Googled It," 26 Aug. 2019 Three sisters from Hong Kong, Taiwan and Mainland China, previously unknown to each other, come together to form a fragile but ultimately hopeful family in Fagara, the latest feature by writer-director Heiward Mak. — Elizabeth Kerr, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Fagara' ('Huajiao zhiwei'): Film Review," 14 Aug. 2019 This worked during World War I, when seeing women plow fields, deliver mail, enforce laws, drive buses and assemble munitions countered the stereotypes of women as too fragile or disinterested in non-domestic work. — Laurie Derose, The Conversation, "Gender equality at home takes a hit when children arrive," 8 Aug. 2019 Moreover, workers are now seen as so fragile that all automation must be feared. — Robert D. Atkinson, National Review, "Higher Productivity Is Good for Workers," 25 July 2019 Populists, both far right and far left, stole support from the traditional center-left and center-right, making coalitions weak and fragile. — Ken Fisher, USA TODAY, "Toast America this July 4th, but run your 401(k) globally," 30 June 2019 The Warriors’ most sensitive and emotionally fragile player might be the coldest-blooded crunch-time hombre in the league. — Scott Ostler, SFChronicle.com, "Why Kevin Durant’s injury is a growth opportunity — for all of us," 11 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fragile.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of fragile

1521, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for fragile

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French fragile, borrowed from Latin fragilis, from frag-, variant stem of frangere "to break, shatter" + -ilis "subject to, susceptible to (the action of the verb)" (alteration of -ibilis -ible, originally by haplology after verb stems ending in a labial consonant) — more at break entry 1

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More Definitions for fragile

fragile

adjective
How to pronounce fragile (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of fragile

: easily broken or damaged : very delicate : not strong

See the full definition for fragile in the English Language Learners Dictionary

fragile

adjective
frag·​ile | \ ˈfra-jÉ™l How to pronounce fragile (audio) \

Kids Definition of fragile

: easily broken or hurt : delicate a fragile dish a fragile child

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More from Merriam-Webster on fragile

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with fragile

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for fragile

Spanish Central: Translation of fragile

Nglish: Translation of fragile for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of fragile for Arabic Speakers

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