adjective
vulnerable
VUL-ner-uh-bul/ˈvʌlnərəbl/
Easily harmed, hurt, or disadvantaged.
The fledgling is vulnerable on open ground as the stalking cat approaches.
Etymology
The pieces express being capable of being wounded. That physical sense broadened to being open to attack or harm, so vulnerability can concern emotional injury as well as bodily wounds.
In context
feel vulnerable with age and starts to rely more on others they naturally feel the need to protect themselves from possible caregiver reactions ranging from lack of respect to physical or emotional abuse
More examples
- She feels vulnerable when she shares her deepest fears.
- Weak passwords leave your accounts vulnerable to hackers.
- Families without savings are especially vulnerable to sudden job losses.
Forms
vulnerable · more vulnerable · most vulnerable
vulnerability noun — The state of being easily harmed.
Similar words
- susceptible
- Emphasizes being easily affected by a particular influence or condition.
- exposed
- Emphasizes lacking shelter or protection from a threat.
- defenseless
- Means unable to resist an attack, not merely easily harmed.