Frail means physically weak or delicate, easily damaged or broken. A frail elderly person might need help carrying groceries or climbing stairs because their body has grown weak with age. A frail twig snaps easily in your hand, while a sturdy branch can support your weight.

The word often describes people whose bodies have become weak from illness, old age, or lack of food and exercise. A patient recovering from a serious illness might look frail, moving carefully and tiring quickly. But frailty isn't permanent: with proper care, rest, and nutrition, someone who seems frail can often regain strength.

Things can be frail too. A frail wooden bridge might sway and creak dangerously under your weight. A frail piece of china could shatter if you handle it roughly. When something is frail, you need to treat it gently and carefully.

The word carries a sense of vulnerability: frail things need protection and gentle handling. But there's an important distinction between physical frailty and inner strength. Many people whose bodies have grown frail possess remarkable courage, wisdom, and determination that come from life experience.