vulnerable Definition
- 1susceptible to physical or emotional attack or harm
- 2in need of special care, support, or protection because of age, disability, or risk of abuse or neglect
Using vulnerable: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "vulnerable" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The company's security system was vulnerable to hacking.
Example
Children are often the most vulnerable members of society.
Example
She felt vulnerable and alone after the breakup.
Example
The elderly are particularly vulnerable during a heatwave.
vulnerable Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for vulnerable
Antonyms for vulnerable
Phrases with vulnerable
vulnerable species
a species that is at risk of extinction due to human activity or natural causes
Example
The giant panda is a vulnerable species due to habitat loss and poaching.
a group of people who are at risk of harm or disadvantage due to their age, health, socioeconomic status, or other factors
Example
The homeless are a vulnerable population in need of support and resources.
a group of people who are at risk of harm or exploitation, such as children, the elderly, or those with disabilities
Example
The government has implemented measures to protect vulnerable sectors of society from abuse and neglect.
Origins of vulnerable
from Latin 'vulnerabilis', from 'vulnerare' meaning 'to wound'
Summary: vulnerable in Brief
The term 'vulnerable' [ˈvʌlnərəbl] describes a state of being susceptible to physical or emotional harm, or in need of special care or protection. It can refer to individuals or groups, such as 'The elderly are particularly vulnerable during a heatwave.' 'Vulnerable' can also be used to describe systems or structures that are open to attack or exploitation, as in 'The company's security system was vulnerable to hacking.'