adjective

brittle

/ˈbrɪtəl/ · say it: BRIT·ul

hard but easily broken

In Describing & Comparing

In more detail

1. (adjective) hard and easily broken into small pieces

2. (adjective) sounding harsh or unfriendly; lacking warmth

Examples

1. The old pottery was so brittle that it cracked when we moved it.
2. She spoke in a brittle voice, clearly upset about the argument.

How to use brittle

Brittle is used literally for materials that break easily under stress, and figuratively for emotions, relationships, or voices that are strained, cold, or lacking emotional warmth. It often suggests something that appears strong on the surface but is actually vulnerable and easily damaged.

Common phrases

brittle bones
brittle voice
brittle laugh
brittle relationship
brittle shell

Synonyms

fragile · breakable · crisp · curt · tense

Opposites

flexible · resilient · warm

Word family

brittleness (noun) · brittly (adverb)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse brittle with merely hard or strong; brittle specifically implies the combination of hardness and easy breakability, not just durability.

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