What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
frail
Example
The frail old woman needed assistance to cross the street. [frail: adjective]
Example
The economy is in a frail state due to the pandemic. [frail: adjective]
Example
The bridge looked frail and unstable after the storm. [frail: adjective]
fragile
Example
The vase was so fragile that it broke when it fell off the table. [fragile: adjective]
Example
The fragile ecosystem of the rainforest is threatened by deforestation. [fragile: adjective]
Example
The child was emotionally fragile after the loss of their pet. [fragile: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fragile is more commonly used than frail in everyday language. Fragile is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while frail is less common and more specific in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between frail and fragile?
Both frail and fragile are considered formal words, but fragile may be slightly more formal due to its use in technical or scientific contexts.
