brit·tle
 /ˈbrıtl̩/  adj  , brit·tler, brit·tlest [or more ~; most ~]
  1 : easily broken or cracked
   brittle glass
   brittle bones
  2 : not strong : easily damaged
   The countries formed a brittle [=fragile] alliance.
  3 : sharp in sound
   a brittle laugh
   a high, brittle voice
  brit·tle·ness /ˈbrıtl̩nəs/  noun   [  noncount  ]