brit·tle 
(brĭtl)
(brĭtl)adj. brit·tler, brit·tlest
1.
a. Likely to break, snap, or crack, as when subjected to pressure: brittle bones.
b. Easily damaged or disrupted; fragile: a brittle friendship. See Synonyms at fragile.
2.
a. Difficult to deal with; snappish: a brittle disposition.
b. Lacking warmth of feeling; cold: a reputation for being brittle and aloof.
3. Brilliantly sharp, as in percussive sound.
4.
a. Perishable.
b. Fleeting; transitory.
n.
A confection of caramelized sugar to which nuts are added: walnut brittle.
[Middle English britel, probably from Old English *brytel, from bryttian, to shatter.]
brittle·ly (brĭtl-ē) adv.
brittle·ness n.