fragility
UK: /frəˈdʒɪləti/ | US: /frəˈdʒɪləti/
n. the quality of being easily broken or damaged
n. the state of being physically or emotionally delicate
The word "fragility" originates from the Latin fragilis (meaning "easily broken"), derived from frangere ("to break"). The suffix -ity (from Latin -itas) converts the adjective "fragile" into a noun, denoting the abstract quality of being breakable. This reflects the word’s logical progression from a physical property ("easily broken") to metaphorical delicacy (emotional or structural vulnerability).
The fragility of the glass made it unsuitable for travel.
Economic fragility can lead to sudden market collapses.
Her voice carried a fragility that hinted at hidden sadness.
The artist captured the fragility of human life in his sculpture.
Environmental policies must address the fragility of ecosystems.