frail

Everyday

1. Frail means weak and easily hurt, often because of old age or illness. tree →
2. Frail means easily broken, delicate. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and manners lessons, frail older people may need help with doors, shopping and seats on the bus. In stories, a frail character is thin and weak; a frail boat or bridge may break. Phrases: «old and frail», «frail health».

Examples

• My great-grandmother is frail and walks with a stick. tree →
• He looked frail after his long illness. tree →
• Be gentle with frail people; they can fall easily. tree →
• The frail old bridge wobbled in the wind. tree →
• Offer your seat to someone frail on the bus. tree →
• The baby bird was tiny and frail. tree →

Note

Comparatives: frailer, frailest. Noun: «frailty». Similar: «weak», «fragile». Opposite: «strong», «sturdy», «robust». Not a number word.