Learn how to use the comparative “frailer” and superlative “frailest” with example sentences and differences.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Comparative adjectives help us to describe how good or bad something is when compared to something else. For example, something is taller than something else. Superlative adjectives help us to describe something as having the most or least of a particular characteristic within a group. This makes it easier and more accurate to talk about and compare things.

What is the comparative form of “frail”?

The comparative form of “frail” is “frailer”.

Example

She is frailer than her sister.

Example

The old man's health has been deteriorating, making him frailer.

What is the superlative form of “frail”?

The superlative form of “frail” is “frailest”.

Example

Among all the patients, she is the frailest.

Example

The newborn baby is known for being the frailest member of the family.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

'Most' and 'more' are generally not used with frail, frailer, and frailest. They’re considered regular comparatives and superlatives. The forms 'more frail' and 'most frail' are not used because they sound awkward. Instead, frailer and frailest are the correct and preferred forms to use.

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

Frail does not have an irregular comparative or superlative form. It follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: FrailFrailer Superlative: FrailFrailest

Expressions with similar meanings to “frailer”

Used to describe someone or something that has less physical strength or stamina

Example

After being sick for a week, she felt weaker than before.

Used to indicate someone or something that is more fragile or easily damaged

Example

The more delicate flowers require extra care and attention.

A slightly formal way of expressing reduced strength or vigor

Example

As he grew older, his immune system became less robust.

Expressions with similar meanings to “frailest”

Similar to frailest, this emphasizes a lack of physical strength or stamina

Example

Out of all the athletes, he is the weakest.

Used to describe the highest level of fragility or susceptibility to damage

Example

The antique vase is the most delicate item in the collection.

A slightly formal way of expressing the lowest level of strength or vigor

Example

Among all the plants, the orchid is the least robust.

Using than with comparative “frailer”

When using the comparative form frailer to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "She is frailer than her sister." Here, than is used to show that the level of frailty of 'she' is greater than the level of frailty of her sister.

How can I use this expression in context?

“frailer” and “frailest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Health

    The patient's condition is getting frailer day by day.

    The patient's condition is getting frailer day by day.

  • 2Age

    As people grow older, their bones become frailer.

    As people grow older, their bones become frailer.

  • 3Objects

    The glass vase is frailer than the ceramic one.

    The glass vase is frailer than the ceramic one.

  • 4Nature

    The butterfly's wings are the frailest part of its body.

    The butterfly's wings are the frailest part of its body.

  • 5Emotions

    Her heart felt frailer after the breakup.

    Her heart felt frailer after the breakup.

Related idioms and phrases

Handle with kid gloves

To handle someone or something with extreme care or gentleness.

Example

The fragile antique should be handled with kid gloves to avoid any damage.

Walking on eggshells

To be extremely cautious or sensitive in dealing with a situation or person.

Example

After their argument, they were walking on eggshells around each other.

A shadow of one's former self

To be much weaker or less capable than one used to be.

Example

After the accident, he was just a shadow of his former self.

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