vulnerable
VUL-ner-uh-bul
/ˈvʌl.nər.ə.bəl/
Exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally.
Highlights intrinsic weakness or lack of defense in the face of environmental hazards or external shocks.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'vulnerare', meaning 'to wound', derived from 'vulnus' (a wound). Something vulnerable is literally capable of receiving wounds.
Word relationships
- susceptible: Focuses on likelihood of being affected by diseases, emotions, or external influences.
- exposed: Refers specifically to lacking physical cover, shelter, or shielding.
- resilient: Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.
- invulnerable: Impossible to harm or damage.
Commonly confused with
- fragile: Fragile means easily broken structurally; vulnerable means exposed to potential external harm.
Word family
- vulnerability (noun): The state of being exposed to harm.
- vulnerably (adverb): In a susceptible or defenseless manner.
Collocations
- vulnerable populations
- vulnerable communities
- highly vulnerable
- vulnerable to disaster
Idioms & expressions
- open flank
Example sentences
- "Elderly residents and young children represent the most vulnerable populations during extreme heatwaves." Humanitarian Assessment
Memory hook
VULNERABLE populations are open to harm like VULtures. Capable of being wounded.
When not to use
Do not use to describe sturdy, fully protected, or resilient systems.
Fun facts
- The heel of Achilles is the classical archetype of a single vulnerable point on an otherwise invulnerable body.
Related words
Explore more words
vulnerability, susceptibility, Exposure, tender, sustainable, frontline
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