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vulnerability

vuhl-ner-uh-BIL-ih-tee /ˌvʌlnərəˈbɪlɪti/

nounB2SATACTGRETOEFL

neutralacademic

The quality or state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally.

In relationships, it is the courageous choice to open oneself up to emotional risk, rejection, or hurt.

The story behind the word. Derived from the Latin 'vulnerare', meaning 'to wound', which comes from 'vulnus' (a wound). Historically, it referred to soldiers being exposed to physical injury on the battlefield.

Word relationships

openness: Openness is being receptive to new ideas or experiences, while vulnerability specifically carries the risk of being hurt.

invulnerability: Invulnerability is the state of being impossible to harm or damage.

Commonly confused with

weakness: Weakness is a lack of strength, whereas vulnerability is the courage to show up when you cannot control the outcome.

Word family

vulnerable (adjective): Susceptible to physical or emotional attack or harm.
vulnerably (adverb): In a vulnerable manner.

Collocations

emotional vulnerability
embrace vulnerability
show vulnerability
vulnerability to attack

Example sentences

"Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity." A famous quote on emotional courage

Memory hook

A 'vulnerable' person has their 'armor' off, exposing their 'inner ability' to feel. Open to wounds

When not to use

Do not confuse with weakness or fragility; it is an active state of openness.

Fun facts

The term was primarily used in military and physical contexts for centuries before psychologists popularized its emotional meaning in the late 20th century.