Definition of fragile

< frag

fragile X syndrome >

frag·ile    (frjl, -l) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:

1. Easily broken, damaged, or destroyed; frail.
2. Lacking physical or emotional strength; delicate.
3. Lacking substance; tenuous or flimsy: a fragile claim to fame.

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ETYMOLOGY:
French, from Old French, from Latin fragilis, from frangere, frag-, to break; see bhreg- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
fragile·ly(Adverb), fra·gili·ty  (fr-jl-t) KEY  or fragile·ness(Noun)

SYNONYMS:
fragile, breakable, frangible, delicate, brittle

These adjectives mean easily broken or damaged. Fragile applies to objects that are not made of strong or sturdy material and that require great care when handled: fragile porcelain plates. Breakable and frangible mean capable of being broken but do not necessarily imply inherent weakness: breakable toys; frangible artifacts. Delicate refers to what is so soft, tender, or fine as to be susceptible to injury: delicate fruit. Brittle refers to inelasticity that makes something especially likely to fracture or snap when it is subjected to pressure: brittle bones. See also Synonyms at weak.