fragile

adjective

frag·​ile ˈfra-jəl 

-ˌjī(-ə)l

1

a

: easily broken or destroyed

a fragile vase

fragile bones

b

: constitutionally (see constitutionally sense 2a) delicate : lacking in vigor

a fragile child

2

: tenuous, slight

fragile hope

a fragile coalition

fragility

frə-ˈji-lə-tē 

noun

Synonyms of fragile

• delicate
• brittle
• frail
• breakable

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.

Recent Examples on the Web

This handshake is perceived as a little fragile now and not necessary due to traditional paparazzi. — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Since the older, more fragile ends have been cut away, what's left tends to look and feel thicker and stronger. — Marci Robin, Allure, 11 Aug. 2026

Relying on foreign aid did not provide fragile states with a pathway to meaningful economic growth. — Eghosa E. Osaghae, Foreign Affairs, 11 Aug. 2026

The team was able to access properties of the crystal in its fragile quantum state using light. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 11 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1521, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing fragile

• fragile X
• fragile X syndrome

Rhymes for fragile

• agile

Kids Definition

fragile

adjective

frag·​ile ˈfraj-əl 

-ˌīl

: easily broken or destroyed : delicate

fragility

frə-ˈjil-ət-ē 

noun