frail

¹

[ freyl ]

adjective

, frail·er, frail·est.

1. having delicate health; not robust; weak:

   My grandfather is rather frail now.

   Synonyms: breakable, frangible, feeble

   Antonyms: sturdy

2. easily broken or destroyed; fragile.

   Synonyms: breakable, frangible, feeble

   Antonyms: sturdy

3. morally weak; easily tempted.

noun

1. Older Slang: Sometimes Offensive. a term used to refer to a girl or woman.

frail

²

[ freyl ]

noun

1. a flexible basket made of rushes, used especially for dried fruits, as dates, figs, or raisins.
2. a certain quantity of raisins, about 75 pounds (34 kilograms), contained in such a basket.

frail

¹

/ freɪl /

adjective

1. physically weak and delicate
2. fragile

   a frail craft

3. easily corrupted or tempted

frail

²

/ freɪl /

noun

1. a rush basket for figs or raisins
2. a quantity of raisins or figs equal to between 50 and 75 pounds

Sensitive Note

This term is sometimes perceived as insulting or condescending when used to refer to a woman, since it reinforces the stereotype of a weak female.

Derived Forms

• ˈfrailness, noun
• ˈfrailly, adverb

Other Words From

• frailly adverb
• frailness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of frail¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English frail(e), frel(e), from Old French, from Latin fragilis fragile

Origin of frail²

First recorded 1300–50; Middle English frayel, fraelle, from Old French frayel; further origin unknown

Word History and Origins

Origin of frail¹

C13: from Old French frele , from Latin fragilis , fragile

Origin of frail²

C13: from Old French fraiel , of uncertain origin

Synonym Study

Frail, brittle, fragile imply a delicacy or weakness of substance or construction. Frail applies particularly to health and immaterial things: a frail constitution; frail hopes. Brittle implies a hard material that snaps or breaks to pieces easily: brittle as glass. Fragile implies that the object must be handled carefully to avoid breakage or damage: fragile bric-a-brac.

Example Sentences

To witness them supporting one another musically and showing inspiring devotion to a frail Barenboim, suffering from a debilitating neurological disease, may be the only gleam of hope we have for peace.

From Los Angeles Times

Places are being found for about 40 frail, older people, with a range of conditions including dementia and mobility issues.

From BBC

When the BBC visited her at the hospital, Ms Masasa was still frail from the effects of the treatment, having lost weight and her hair.

From BBC

Dr Loughrey added: “Patients with mental health problems, the frail, the elderly and the vulnerable are the least able to be able to tolerate those ultra long delays in A&E departments”

From BBC

Photos circulating online showed Pivi looking frail and handcuffed alongside his son, who is accused of orchestrating the prison break that freed his father.

From BBC

Related Words

• decrepit
• feeble
• fragile
• infirm
• sickly
• slender
• slim
• thin
• vulnerable