Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Capable of being broken or damaged: Describes an object or material that can be fractured, shattered, or damaged with relative ease, often under stress or impact.
   • Fragile: Emphasizes the delicate nature of something that requires careful handling to avoid damage.

2. Noun:

   • A fragile article that is easily broken: Refers to a physical item, typically pluralized as "breakables," that is susceptible to breaking and must be handled with special care.

Usage and Examples

• Adjective:

  • Most glassware is highly breakable.
  • Please be careful with that box; its contents are breakable.
  • The museum has a special section for breakable artifacts.

• Noun:

  • Pack all the breakables in bubble wrap before moving.
  • The movers labeled the box containing the china as "breakables."
  • She carefully unpacked the breakables first.

Advanced Usage

• Used as a count noun (usually plural): The noun form is most commonly used in the plural to refer collectively to fragile items.
  • We need to secure the breakables for the boat trip.
• In instructional or warning contexts: Often used in packaging, shipping, or handling instructions.
  • Caution: Breakable inside.

Variants and Related Words

• Breakability (n): The quality or state of being breakable.
  • The breakability of the material was tested in the lab.
• Unbreakable (adj): Incapable of being broken; the direct antonym.
  • They manufacture unbreakable plastic dishes for children.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Fragile, delicate, brittle, frangible, shatterable.
• Noun: Fragile item, delicate object.

Antonyms

• Adjective: Unbreakable, durable, sturdy, tough, shatterproof.

Adjective

1. capable of being broken or damaged
   • earthenware pottery is breakable
   • breakable articles should be packed carefully

Noun

1. an article that is fragile and easily broken
   • pack the breakables separately