brittle

US /ˈbrɪt̬.əl/
UK /ˈbrɪt̬.əl/
"brittle" picture
1.

hard but liable to break easily

:
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The old plastic had become brittle with age.
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Her bones were brittle due to osteoporosis.
:
fragilebreakablecrispcrumblydelicateflakyfriableshortsplinterytenderweak
2.

having a sharp, hard, but not resonant sound

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The brittle sound of dry leaves crunching underfoot filled the autumn air.
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The old piano produced a rather brittle tone.
:
sharpcrispharshgratingrasping
3.

appearing or sounding cold and unfeeling

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Her voice was brittle with suppressed anger.
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He gave a brittle laugh that lacked warmth.
:
coldharshunfeelinghardsternaustere