1. 脆的；易碎的
    An object or substance that is brittle is hard but easily broken.

    e.g. Pine is brittle and breaks.
           松樹很脆，容易折斷。
    e.g. ...the dry, brittle ends of the hair.
           又干又脆的發(fā)梢

2. 脆弱的；不穩(wěn)固的；易變的
    If you describe a situation, relationship, or someone's mood as brittle, you mean that it is unstable, and may easily change.

    e.g. These incidents suggest the peace in Northern Ireland is still brittle...
           這些事件表明北愛爾蘭的和平仍然很脆弱。
    e.g. This may help to undermine the brittle truce that currently exists.
           這也許會火上澆油，破壞當前脆弱不穩(wěn)的休戰(zhàn)局面。

3. 尖刻的；冷漠麻木的
    Someone who is brittle seems rather sharp and insensitive and says things which are likely to hurt other people's feelings.

brittle

    e.g. ...Noel Coward's brittle comedy of bad manners.
           諾埃爾·科沃德尖銳嘲諷無禮舉止的喜劇

4. （聲音）尖厲的
    A brittle sound is short, loud, and sharp.

    e.g. Myrtle gave a brittle laugh.
           默特爾冷笑了一聲。