fragility

fragility — noun

1. how easily an object can be cracked, snapped, or otherwise damaged — typical of

1.名詞B2
釋義

how easily an object can be cracked, snapped, or otherwise damaged — typical of items made from glass, ceramic, or thin paper.

例句

The movers wrapped the antique vase in bubble wrap because of its fragility.

uncountable noun after 'because of'

Daichi was surprised by the fragility of the glass when it shattered in his hands.

同義詞
  • delicacy

    focuses on needing careful handling, often for objects that are valuable or fine

  • brittleness

    more specific — describes materials that snap or shatter under stress

反義詞

文法句型

the fragility of + noun (physical object)

用法筆記

This sense is used primarily about physical materials and objects. The noun is uncountable and typically follows "the fragility of" + a concrete noun. Common collocates include glass, ceramic, paper, bone, and eggshell.

常見錯誤

❌The fragility of the relationship increased after the argument.
✅The fragility of the vase made it difficult to transport.
💡The 'easily broken' sense only applies to physical objects, not relationships.

2. how easily a system, situation, or connection between people can be harmed, shak

2.名詞B2
釋義

how easily a system, situation, or connection between people can be harmed, shaken, or ruined — for example, an economy that cannot survive a crisis, or a friendship that ends after one disagreement.

例句

The fragility of the peace agreement became clear when fighting started again.

the fragility of + abstract noun (peace agreement)

Elena worried about the fragility of her country's banking system after the recent crisis.

同義詞
  • vulnerability

    emphasises being open to attack or harm from outside

  • instability

    emphasises lack of steady structure, likely to change suddenly

  • uncertainty

    more about lack of predictability than risk of collapse

反義詞
  • stability

    being steady and not likely to change or fail

  • robustness

    being strong and able to survive shocks

文法句型

the fragility of + noun (abstract concept)

用法筆記

Common in formal, academic, or journalistic contexts. The noun is uncountable. Frequently paired with economic, political, financial, social, or institutional to specify the domain.

常見錯誤

❌The vase shows the fragility of the peace talks.
✅The peace talks showed their fragility when one side walked out.
💡Avoid mixing physical and abstract metaphors in the same sentence.

3. a physical condition marked by a lack of strength, making sickness or injury mor

3.名詞B2
釋義

a physical condition marked by a lack of strength, making sickness or injury more probable — often linked to old age, a long illness, or a medical problem such as osteoporosis.

例句

The doctor explained the fragility of the patient's bones after the fall.

fragility + of + body part (bones)

Hoa's grandmother moved to a nursing home because of her age and increasing fragility.

同義詞
  • frailty

    very similar, but frailty often implies a general, long-term weakness rather than a specific condition

  • weakness

    more general; can be temporary or about specific body parts

反義詞
  • strength

    being physically strong and healthy

  • robustness

    being strong and energetic, especially in health contexts

文法句型

fragility + of + person / body part

用法筆記

Unlike sense 1, this sense describes a living being's physical condition. It often pairs with age, health, bones, or body. In medical writing, 'bone fragility' is a common collocation referring to conditions like osteoporosis.