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vulnerable

VUL-ner-uh-bul /ˈvʌlnərəbl/

adjectiveB2IELTSTOEFLSAT

generalpsychologicalmedical

Susceptible to physical or emotional attack or harm; in need of special care, support, or protection.

In healthcare, it refers to groups (like children, the elderly, or the homeless) who are at higher risk of poor health outcomes.

The story behind the word. From the Latin 'vulnerare' (to wound), which comes from 'vulnus' (a wound). Originally, it meant 'able to be wounded' in a literal, physical sense on a battlefield.

Word relationships

at-risk: At-risk is more clinical and statistical; vulnerable has a more human, empathetic tone.
exposed: Exposed means unprotected; vulnerable means capable of being hurt.

resilient: Resilient means able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.
invulnerable: Impossible to harm or damage.

Commonly confused with

susceptible: Susceptible usually refers to catching a disease; vulnerable refers to being harmed by social or physical forces.

Word family

vulnerability (noun): the quality or state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed.

Collocations

vulnerable populations
highly vulnerable
vulnerable position
socially vulnerable

Example sentences

"The first phase of the vaccine rollout focused on the most vulnerable members of society." Pandemic response
"Small children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of lead in drinking water." Environmental health

Memory hook

Think of a 'vulture' circling something that is 'vulnerable'. Able to be wounded.

When not to use

Don't use it to mean 'weak' in a derogatory way; it describes a state of being exposed to risk.

Fun facts

The 'Vulnerability Index' is a tool used by homeless services to prioritize who needs housing most urgently.