vulnerable
VUL-ner-uh-bul
/ˈvʌl.nər.ə.bəl/
Susceptible to physical or emotional attack or harm; in need of special care or protection.
Vulnerable can describe a physical weakness (a vulnerable bridge) or an emotional openness (feeling vulnerable).
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'vulnerare', meaning 'to wound'. It originally described a soldier who was without armor or a shield, and thus 'able to be wounded'.
Word relationships
- exposed: Exposed means having no protection; vulnerable means being capable of being hurt.
- invulnerable: Invulnerable means impossible to harm or damage.
Commonly confused with
- valuable: Valuable means worth a lot; vulnerable means easily hurt.
Word family
- vulnerability (noun): The quality or state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed.
Collocations
- vulnerable position
- highly vulnerable
- vulnerable population
Example sentences
- "The government must do more to protect the most vulnerable members of our society." Social work and policy.
- "The outdated software left the entire network vulnerable to a ransomware attack." Cybersecurity warning.
Memory hook
Think of a 'vulture' circling something that is 'vulnerable'. Vulnerable: Very easily hurt.
When not to use
Do not use this to mean 'weak' in a derogatory way; it often implies a state of being exposed rather than a lack of strength.
Fun facts
- In chess, a 'vulnerable' king is one that is poorly defended and likely to be checkmated soon.
Explore more words
vulnerability, susceptibility, Exposure, tender, sustainable, frontline
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