brittle

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

One problem, though: Untreated rubber becomes brittle when exposed to cold, and tacky and runny when hot.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

We move in a familiar loop: outrage at dysfunction, ritualized critique, then a quiet hope that the same brittle systems will somehow stabilize themselves when the stakes get high.

From Salon • Jan. 24, 2026

"Any dissolution of the coalition essentially would make the right of centre look brittle and fragile and disunited," he told AFP.

From Barron's • Jan. 22, 2026

When the rock loses this water, it becomes weaker and more brittle.

From Science Daily • Jan. 1, 2026

In the cold of February it looked brittle and tight, and when I saw it I had a strange urge to throw a blanket over it and warm its insides.

From "Missing May" by Cynthia Rylant