Definition

The quality of being easily broken or damaged, often without much change in shape before breaking.

Example

The brittleness of the glass made it difficult to handle safely.

Conversation

Did you know that some materials have a high level of brittleness?

Really? I thought most things are just flexible or strong.

Yeah, brittleness means they can break easily without bending.

That’s interesting! I guess that's why some glasses shatter so quickly.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Brittleness → It is formed from "brittle" (from Old English "bryttel", meaning easily broken) and the suffix "-ness" (meaning the state or quality of). The word "brittleness" refers to the quality of being easily broken or fragile.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'easily broken' ('brittle') and the '-ness' indicating a state or quality. This helps you remember that brittleness describes the quality of being fragile.

Visually Confused Words