What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
frail
Example
The old woman was too frail to carry the heavy bag. [frail: adjective]
Example
The fragile vase was so frail that it broke when touched. [frail: adjective]
Example
The economy is in a frail state due to the pandemic. [frail: adjective]
brittle
Example
The brittle glass shattered into pieces when it fell on the floor. [brittle: adjective]
Example
Her brittle personality made it difficult for her to make friends. [brittle: adjective]
Example
The company's brittle financial situation led to bankruptcy. [brittle: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Brittle is more commonly used than frail in everyday language. Brittle is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while frail is less common and refers to a more specific type of weakness or vulnerability.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between frail and brittle?
Both frail and brittle are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
