Understanding 'Hard but Liable to be Easily Broken'

The question asks for a single word that means something is hard in nature but can also be easily broken or shattered. We need to find the best one-word substitute from the given options that fits this specific description.

Analyzing Word Options

Let's look at each option to see how it relates to the definition:

• Stagnant: This word describes something that is not moving, flowing, or developing. For example, stagnant water or a stagnant economy. This does not fit the description of being hard yet easily broken.
• Fragmentary: This means something is made up of small pieces or parts, or is incomplete. For instance, fragmentary evidence. While things made of fragments might break easily, the core meaning isn't about being hard yet easily breakable.
• Rudiment: This refers to a basic principle or an undeveloped or basic form of something. For example, the rudiments of music. This word doesn't relate to physical properties like hardness or breakability.
• Brittle: This word specifically means something is hard but snaps or breaks very easily. Think of glass or thin ice – they are hard but can shatter with impact. This perfectly matches the definition "Hard but liable to be easily broken".

Identifying the Correct Substitute

Comparing the meanings, the word Brittle is the most accurate one-word substitute for the phrase "Hard but liable to be easily broken". It captures both the hardness and the tendency to break easily.