fragile
fragile — adjective
1. describes objects made of glass, ceramic, or similar materials that crack, snap,
describes objects made of glass, ceramic, or similar materials that crack, snap, or shatter when hit, dropped, or handled roughly
The delivery box was marked '[[Fragile]] — Handle with Care' in bright red letters.
used on packaging and shipping labels
Adina carefully wrapped each [[fragile]] wine glass in several layers of newspaper before packing it.
common objects: glass, dishes, electronics
The movers dropped a box of [[fragile]] ceramic bowls, and three of them cracked.
Devika put the [[fragile]] porcelain doll on a high shelf where children could not reach it.
用法筆記
Often seen on shipping labels and packaging instructions. This sense is typically used with objects made of glass, ceramic, porcelain, thin plastic, or electronic components.
常見錯誤
2. used to describe a situation, system, or relationship that lacks stability and c
used to describe a situation, system, or relationship that lacks stability and could be damaged, destroyed, or ended by a minor change or problem
The ceasefire between the two armies remained [[fragile]], with both sides accusing each other of small violations.
collocation: fragile ceasefire / fragile peace
Minh warned investors that the country's economic recovery was still [[fragile]] and could be reversed by rising oil prices.
collocation: fragile economy / fragile recovery
After the argument, their friendship felt [[fragile]] — the slightest misunderstanding might end it for good.
Astrid knew that the country's democracy was still [[fragile]] and could be ended by a military coup.
- vulnerable
open to attack or harm; broader in scope and often implies a target rather than instability
- tenuous
so weak that it may disappear; more formal and less common than fragile
- unstable
likely to change or collapse suddenly; focuses on lack of balance rather than external threat
用法筆記
Subject is usually an abstract noun such as peace, economy, ceasefire, relationship, democracy, or alliance. Frequently used in news reports and political analysis.
常見錯誤
3. in a state of poor physical or emotional health, so that even minor stress, illn
in a state of poor physical or emotional health, so that even minor stress, illness, or effort can cause harm or exhaustion
After three weeks in hospital, Felix's grandfather looked thin and [[fragile]], though his spirit remained strong.
collocation: thin and fragile
The doctor said Roya's [[fragile]] immune system meant she had to avoid crowded places during flu season.
collocation: fragile immune system / fragile health
Obi had been emotionally [[fragile]] since losing his job, so his sister called him every evening to check in.
Yan's grandmother became so [[fragile]] that a short walk to the shop exhausted her.
- frail
physically weak, especially due to age or illness; slightly more narrow than fragile
- delicate
easily affected by outside conditions; more about sensitivity than weakness
- vulnerable
open to being hurt physically or emotionally; broader and less tied to health status
用法筆記
Commonly collocates with health-related nouns — health, bones, immune system, mental state, emotional condition. Can describe both temporary illness and long-term vulnerability. Often implies the person needs special care or protection.
常見錯誤
4. feeling sick, weak, or exhausted the morning after consuming a lot of alcohol
feeling sick, weak, or exhausted the morning after consuming a lot of alcohol
After the New Year's party, Christopher woke up feeling rather [[fragile]] and could not face breakfast.
informal: feel fragile = hungover / unwell
Mauricio told his flatmate he was feeling a bit [[fragile]] and asked her to keep the noise down.
pattern: a bit fragile / rather fragile
The whole office was quiet the morning after the staff dinner — everyone was too [[fragile]] to focus on spreadsheets.
Feng drank too much wine at the party and felt [[fragile]] for most of the next day.
用法筆記
Informal register, most common in British English. Almost always follows the verbs feel, look, or seem. The cause (alcohol or lack of sleep) is usually clear from context. Less common in American English, where hung over is more typical.
5. made of very light, thin material and often beautiful, but easily harmed or spoi
made of very light, thin material and often beautiful, but easily harmed or spoiled; also used of natural environments that are sensitive to change
Élise wore a necklace of [[fragile]] silver threads that shimmered like spiderwebs in the sunlight.
collocation: fragile threads / fragile silver
The mountain wildflowers had [[fragile]] white petals that fell apart at the slightest touch.
collocation: fragile petals
The wetland is a [[fragile]] ecosystem where pollution or construction can destroy the habitat within months.
A butterfly with [[fragile]] orange wings landed on a flower in the garden.
用法筆記
Often carries a positive or admiring tone when describing crafted objects or natural beauty (fragile lace, fragile butterfly wings) and a protective or warning tone when describing natural environments (fragile ecosystem, fragile coral reef).