What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
vulnerable
Example
The elderly are often vulnerable to scams and fraud. [vulnerable: adjective]
Example
The company's financial situation left it vulnerable to a hostile takeover. [vulnerable: adjective]
Example
After the breakup, she felt emotionally vulnerable and fragile. [vulnerable: adjective]
exposed
Example
The workers were exposed to toxic chemicals without proper protective gear. [exposed: adjective]
Example
The hiker was exposed to extreme weather conditions on the mountain. [exposed: adjective]
Example
The investigation exposed corruption within the government. [exposed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Exposed is more commonly used than vulnerable in everyday language. Exposed is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while vulnerable is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between vulnerable and exposed?
Both vulnerable and exposed can be used in formal and informal contexts, but vulnerable may be perceived as more formal due to its less frequent usage in everyday language.