Definition of brittleness

The word "brittleness" originates from the Old English words "brytt" meaning "brittle" and "-ness" a suffix forming a noun indicating a quality or state. The term initially referred to the tendency of a material to break or shatter easily, often in a sudden and unexpected manner. In the 15th century, the word began to be used figuratively to describe a person's emotional fragility or lack of resilience. For example, someone who is prone to outbursts of anger or tears might be said to exhibit brittleness. Over time, the term has been applied to various contexts beyond materials science and psychology, including fields such as meteorology (to describe the sudden breakage of a storm front) and philosophy (to describe the fragile nature of human existence). Throughout its evolution, the core meaning of "brittleness" has remained constant, conveying a sense of fragility and loss of strength.