bri
ttle
Comparative
more brittle
Superlative
most brittle
1
easily broken, cracked, or shattered due to the lack of flexibility and resilience
- With each step, the brittle twigs underfoot snapped loudly in the quiet forest.
- As the temperature dropped, the brittle leaves on the trees rustled with every gust of wind.
- Walking on the frozen lake, the brittle ice beneath them groaned and creaked with each movement.
- The stale bread had become brittle, losing its softness and freshness.
- The cookie had a brittle texture, with a satisfying crunch as you took a bite.
Synonyms:
2
(of relationships, condition, etc.) easily broken and destroyed, due to being unable to handle challenges or disagreements
- Their brittle friendship couldn't withstand the slightest disagreement.
- In the face of adversity, their brittle bond crumbled like dry leaves.
- The brittle trust between them shattered when secrets were revealed.
- After years of neglect, their once strong marriage had become brittle and fragile.
- The brittle atmosphere in the room grew tense as their unresolved issues surfaced.
3
lacking warmth or emotional flexibility, often indicating a cold or rigid demeanor
- Her brittle tone indicated that she was still upset about the argument from earlier.
- The atmosphere in the room grew increasingly brittle as tensions rose between the two rival factions.
- His brittle response to criticism suggested that he was not open to feedback.
- The relationship became brittle after years of neglect and lack of communication.
- Despite her efforts to appear strong, her brittle exterior concealed a deep vulnerability.
4
(of a voice, sound, etc.) unpleasant to the ears, often due to its sharp, harsh quality
- The brittle sound of breaking glass echoed through the empty hallway.
- The brittle laughter of the old man echoed in the empty room.
- Her voice sounded brittle as she struggled to hold back her tears, the strain evident in every syllable she uttered.
5
outwardly happy and confident, yet internally weak, anxious, and easily offended or upset
- His brittle demeanor masked a deep-seated fear of failure and rejection.
- Underneath his brittle smile lay a reservoir of insecurities and uncertainties.
- She tried to maintain a brittle composure during the meeting, but her trembling hands betrayed her anxiety.
- Despite his brittle confidence on stage, he struggled with stage fright before every performance.