ˈfrædʒ. aɪl / / ˈfrædʒ

fragile / ˈfrædʒ.aɪl / / ˈfrædʒ. ^ə l / adjective
C2 easily damaged, broken, or harmed:
Be careful with that vase - it's very fragile.
The assassination could do serious damage to the fragile peace agreement that was signed last month.
I felt rather fragile (= weak) for a few days after the operation.
humorous No breakfast for me, thanks - I'm feeling rather fragile (= ill, upset, or tired) after last night's party.
fragility / frəˈdʒɪl.ɪ.ti / / -t̬i / noun [ U ]
The collapse of the bank is an ominous reminder of the fragility of the world's banking system.


severe / sɪˈvɪə ^r / / -ˈvɪr / adjective (VERY SERIOUS)
B2 causing very great pain, difficulty, worry, damage, etc.; very serious:
a severe chest infection/leg injury/toothache
This is a school for children with severe learning difficulties.
In parts of Africa there is a severe food/water shortage.
There is expected to be a severe frost tonight.
Severe cutbacks in public spending have been announced.
extreme or very difficult:
This will be a severe test of our strength.


prevalent / ˈprev. ^ə l.ənt / adjective
existing very commonly or happening often:
These diseases are more prevalent among young children.
Trees are dying in areas where acid rain is most prevalent.
prevalence / -əns / noun [ U ]
the prevalence of smoking amongst teenagers


squander / ˈskwɒn.də ^r / / ˈskwɑːn.dɚ / verb [ T ]
C2 to waste money or supplies, or to waste opportunities by not using them to your advantage:
They'll quite happily squander a whole year's savings on two weeks in the sun.
Ireland squandered several chances, including a penalty that cost them the game.


staggering / ˈstæɡ. ^ə r.ɪŋ / / -ɚ- / adjective
C1 very shocking and surprising:
It costs a staggering $50,000 per week to keep the museum open to the public.