adjective
frail
FRAYL/freɪl/
Weak and easily harmed or overcome.
The frail man walks carefully with a cane and a supportive companion.
Etymology
Latin fragilis describes something easily broken. Applied to a person, that image of breakability conveys a weak body that is readily injured or harmed.
In context
the queen does not like in any way looking frail or weak or unwell which is why she has chosen to take a step back from the public eye this week while she allows herself to fully recover
More examples
- She feels frailer after several days without enough food.
- Their frail shelter offers little protection from the storm.
- His resolve is too frail to withstand their pressure.
Forms
frail · frailer · frailest
frailty noun — Physical weakness or vulnerability to harm.
Similar words
- weak
- Emphasizes lacking strength rather than being easily harmed.
- fragile
- Emphasizes being easily broken or damaged rather than lacking strength.
- vulnerable
- Emphasizes exposure to harm, even without physical weakness.