1. the quality or state of being easily broken, cracked, or damaged
2. the quality of being harsh, cold, or lacking in warmth or understanding
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The brittleness of the old glass made it dangerous to handle.
• Cold weather increases the brittleness of plastic materials.
• The brittleness in her voice revealed her anger.
• Engineers must account for metal brittleness at low temperatures.
• His emotional brittleness made it difficult for him to accept criticism.
• The brittleness of the ancient parchment required careful preservation.
• She was surprised by the brittleness of their friendship after the argument.