brittle

1 of 2adjective

/ˈbrɪɾl̩/

Forms:more brittle,most brittle

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:

(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.

Synonyms:

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.

(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.

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.