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vulnerable
/ˈvʌl.nər.ə.bəl/
open to harm or attack
After the storm, the old house felt vulnerable to the wind.
The house was weak and exposed, easily damaged by the weather.
general
exposed to the possibility of being harmed, either physically or emotionally
Children are vulnerable to online predators if they share personal information.
Children can be easily targeted or harmed if they reveal private details online.
The company’s data was vulnerable to hackers due to weak security.
The company’s information was at risk because their defenses were insufficient.
Often used to describe emotional, physical, or digital exposure to danger.
Law
formal
in a position where one is likely to be criticized or attacked
The defendant was vulnerable to cross-examination by the prosecutor.
The defendant was in a weak position during questioning, making them easy targets.
Common in legal contexts to describe a party with weaker arguments.
psychology
susceptible to emotional or psychological harm
People with low self-esteem are often vulnerable to negative feedback.
Those with poor self-image tend to be deeply affected by criticism.
Used in mental health contexts to describe emotional fragility.
Collocations
vulnerable tolikely to be harmed or affected byemotionally vulnerableopen to emotional pain or distressvulnerable groupa group at higher risk of harm or exclusion
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid confusion with 'susceptible'
'Vulnerable' implies exposure to harm, while 'susceptible' suggests a tendency to be affected by something (e.g., 'susceptible to allergies').
Gold Rule
Use 'vulnerable' for emotional or physical exposure
Reserve 'vulnerable' for contexts involving harm, danger, or emotional fragility. Avoid using it for abstract risks (e.g., 'vulnerable to inflation' is incorrect; use 'affected by' instead).
Word Origin
From Latin *vulnerabilis*, meaning 'wounding,' derived from *vulnus* ('wound'). Entered English in the 17th century via French *vulnérable*.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in both everyday and formal contexts. Avoid overusing in academic writing unless discussing risk or fragility.
Word Breakdown
vulner-
wound (from Latin 'vulnus')
root-able
capable of being
suffixEnglish Dictionary