What Are Fragile Items? Definition & Examples

Meaning 1：delicate items (Fragile Items)

Fragile Items 🔊

/ˈfrædʒaɪl ˈaɪtəmz/

Things that can be easily broken, damaged, or destroyed, so you must handle them with great care.

Fragile items box with bubble wrap and broken glass diagram for packing

delicate items 🔊

➕

/ˈdelɪkət ˈaɪtəmz/

Things that can be easily broken, damaged, or destroyed, so you must handle them with great care.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

'Fragile' from Latin 'frangere' (break) + '-ile' (able to); 'items' from Latin 'item' (also).

💡 Mnemonic

Picture a glass labeled 'FRAGILE' – drop it and it breaks. Fragile = easily broken.

📖 Example

When I moved apartments, I wrapped all the fragile items, like my favorite coffee mugs and picture frames, in bubble wrap. 🔊 When I moved apartments, I wrapped all the fragile items, like my favorite coffee mugs and picture frames, in bubble wrap.

🔗 Collocations

pack fragile items – to carefully wrap breakable objects for transport

fragile items sticker – a label warning that the package contains delicate goods

handle fragile items with care – to treat breakable objects gently to avoid damage

🔄 Synonyms

breakable objects (n.) – Items that can be easily broken

delicate goods (n.) – Products that require careful handling due to fragility

🚫 Antonyms

durable items (n.) – Items that are strong and resistant to damage

sturdy goods (n.) – Products that are robust and unlikely to break

🌱 Derivatives

fragility (n.) – the quality of being easily broken or damaged

fragilely (adv.) – in a way that is easily broken or delicate

📖 Cultural Story

The phrase 'Fragile Items' is commonly seen on packages in shipping and moving industries. It originates from the need to warn handlers of delicate contents, often accompanied by a broken glass icon.