Frail

usgb/freɪl/
adjective

Very weak or easily damaged or destroyed.

The old man was so frail that he needed a walker to move around.
Visual representation of "frail" - Very weak or easily damaged or destroyed

Often appears as...

  • frail health
  • frail body

Usage tips

Disapproving

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "frail"
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Physical Weakness

Refers to someone's physical strength being low, often due to age or sickness.

Illustration for Physical Weakness
After her surgery, she was too frail to even lift a book.
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Easily Broken

Used for objects that can be easily damaged, highlighting their vulnerability.

Illustration for Easily Broken
The frail branches snapped under the weight of the snow.
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Not for Physical Objects

Usually not used to describe everyday solid items like phones or furniture which are not weak by nature.

Illustration for Not for Physical Objects
You wouldn't usually describe a smartphone as frail unless highlighting its vulnerability.
Visual representation of the word "Frail"

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