Frail: meaning, definitions and examples

Refers to someone or something that is physically weak or has a delicate constitution, commonly used for elderly people or someone recovering from illness.

• After the surgery, he felt very frail and needed help to move around

Describes a general lack of physical strength or power, often used for people, muscles, or arguments.

• After the flu, she still felt weak and needed more rest

Emphasizes the vulnerability to breakage or damage, often used for glass, ceramics, or emotional states.

• Please be careful with the package; it contains fragile items

Used to describe something or someone that is easily damaged or requires careful handling, often used for items made of thin materials or for describing someone's health.

• The antique vase is very delicate; handle it with care

Use this word to describe someone who is physically weak or delicate, often due to age or illness.

• The elderly woman looked frail and needed assistance to walk.
• After the long illness, he appeared frail and could barely stand.

This word is used to describe someone who is so extremely thin that their bones are prominent, often due to severe malnutrition or illness. It has a very strong negative connotation.

• The prisoners were skeletal after months in the camp.
• She looked skeletal after refusing to eat for weeks.

This word describes someone who is extremely thin and weak, usually due to severe malnutrition or illness. It often carries a very negative connotation.

• The refugee children were emaciated after months of inadequate food.
• After battling the disease for years, the patient was emaciated and frail.

This term is used to describe someone or something that is small and weak. It can have a slightly derogatory or diminishing undertone.

• The puny little puppy couldn’t even climb up the stairs.
• He laughed at his puny rival, thinking he posed no challenge.