skrøpelig

Skrøpelig is an adjective in Norwegian used to describe something that is fragile, delicate, or easily damaged. It indicates a limited capacity to withstand stress or disturbance, and can apply to physical objects, living beings, or broader systems and conditions. The term often carries a sense of precariousness, where minor factors can cause noticeable deterioration or failure.

Usage of skrøpelig covers a range of contexts. In everyday language it may refer to tangible items such as skrøpelig glassware or skrøpelig instruksjonsmateriale, emphasizing gentle handling. It is also used for health or life situations, for example skrøpelig helse or en skrøpelig situasjon, to signal that a person or circumstance requires care and caution. In technical or scientific discourse, the word can describe structures, ecosystems, or processes that are vulnerable to disruption or deterioration.

Noun forms include skrøpelighet, which denotes fragility as a property or condition. The word can function in different registers, from informal speech to formal writing, and may be paired with qualifiers to express degrees of fragility (e.g., moderately skrøpelig, highly skrøpelig).

Etymology and related terms: skrøpelig is of Norwegian origin and is cognate with related Germanic terms that express fragility or delicacy. It shares semantic space with synonyms such as sårbar and skjør, while conveying a nuance that emphasizes vulnerability and the potential for damage.

See also: fragility, vulnerability, delicacy, frailty.