What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
delicate
Example
Be careful with the delicate glassware, it can break easily. [delicate: adjective]
Example
The delicate negotiations required a lot of tact and diplomacy. [delicate: adjective]
Example
She's a delicate soul, so be gentle with her. [delicate: adjective]
vulnerable
Example
The children are vulnerable to the flu, so they need to get vaccinated. [vulnerable: adjective]
Example
The company's finances are vulnerable to market fluctuations. [vulnerable: adjective]
Example
After the breakup, she felt vulnerable and alone. [vulnerable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Vulnerable is more commonly used than delicate in everyday language. Vulnerable is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while delicate is less common and often used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between delicate and vulnerable?
Both delicate and vulnerable can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, delicate is often associated with a more formal or literary tone, while vulnerable is more commonly used in everyday language.
