susceptibility
suh-ssep-tih-BILL-ih-tee
/səˌskeptəˈbɪləti/
The state or fact of being likely or vulnerable to be influenced or harmed by a particular disease, pathogen, or risk factor.
Measures degree of vulnerability or likelihood of developing a condition when exposed.
The story behind the word. From Late Latin 'susceptibilis' (capable of receiving), from Latin 'sub-' (up from below) and 'capere' (to take). It originally described someone capable of receiving emotional impressions or taking on a spiritual grace.
Word relationships
- vulnerability: Vulnerability is broad and applies to emotional or physical weakness; susceptibility specifically measures biological or probabilistic predisposition.
- predisposition: Predisposition implies an internal inclination or genetic tendency, whereas susceptibility focuses on risk when exposed to external triggers.
- immunity: Immunity is complete or partial protection against a disease or harm.
- resistance: Resistance is the ability to withstand exposure without suffering ill effects.
Commonly confused with
- sensitivity: Sensitivity refers to the threshold of reaction to small stimuli; susceptibility refers to vulnerability to harm or infection.
Word family
- susceptible (adjective): Likely to be harmed or infected by a specific agent
Collocations
- genetic susceptibility
- increased susceptibility
- disease susceptibility
- antimicrobial susceptibility
Example sentences
- "Genetic testing identified specific markers that increase susceptibility to cardiovascular disease." Epidemiology research paper
- "Malnutrition significantly increases host susceptibility to severe respiratory infections in young children." Public health quote
Memory hook
SUSCEPTIBLE = SUSpectible to catching illness from below. Vulnerability to disease or risk
When not to use
Do not confuse susceptibility (predisposition) with certainty (guaranteed occurrence).
Fun facts
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing is routine in labs to see which antibiotics will successfully kill a bacterial strain.
- Stress hormones like cortisol directly suppress immune cell production, raising biological susceptibility to viruses.
Related words
Explore more words
vulnerability, predisposition, vulnerable, Exposure, pathogenesis, morbidity
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