Vulnerable to attack

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Vulnerable to attack" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing security, weaknesses, or susceptibility to harm or criticism. Example: "The outdated software left the system vulnerable to attack, prompting an urgent need for an update."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Today the region remains vulnerable to attack.

The Economist

All three layers are vulnerable to attack.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Our chemical plants are vulnerable to attack...

The New York Times

How were we so vulnerable to attack?

The New York Times

And Greece was far more vulnerable to attack than Italy.

The New Yorker

It is above ground, and thus more vulnerable to attack.

The Economist

Crops are vulnerable to attack, damage, and competition.

Encyclopedia Britannica

First, supply routes are often vulnerable to attack.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Otherwise, he said, the phone is vulnerable to attack.

The New York Times - Tech

The shutdown left lorries parked and vulnerable to attack.

Independent

He added that "we are still vulnerable to attack".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In strategic contexts, indicate the specific assets or interests that are "vulnerable to attack", ensuring a clear understanding of what is at stake.

Common error

Avoid using "vulnerable to attack" without providing context. Instead of saying "the system is vulnerable to attack", specify what makes the system vulnerable (e.g., "outdated software") and what kind of attack it is vulnerable to (e.g., "phishing attacks").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vulnerable to attack" functions as an adjective phrase, describing a state of being susceptible or open to harm. As confirmed by Ludwig, it indicates a weakness or lack of defense against a potential threat. Examples show its use across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vulnerable to attack" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe susceptibility to harm or danger. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It appears most frequently in news and media sources, as well as encyclopedias, and is used to highlight weaknesses or potential threats. Related phrases include "susceptible to assault" and "at risk of being targeted". When using this phrase, it's best to provide specific context about the nature of the vulnerability and the type of attack to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Susceptible to assault

Replaces "vulnerable" with "susceptible" and "attack" with "assault", altering the tone to emphasize physical aggression.

Defenseless against aggression

Highlights a lack of protective measures or ability to resist hostile actions.

At risk of being targeted

Emphasizes the potential for intentional selection for negative attention or harm.

Unprotected from harm

Stresses the absence of safeguards or preventative measures against injury.

Exposed to danger

Focuses on the presence of a threat and the lack of shielding from it.

Unsafe from incursion

Highlights the lack of security and possibility of unwanted entry or invasion.

Easily assailable

Indicates that something can be overcome or defeated with minimal effort.

Open to criticism

Shifts the focus from physical harm to potential negative feedback or judgment.

Liable to be threatened

Implies a legal or situational predisposition to facing potential dangers.

Prone to exploitation

Suggests a tendency to be taken advantage of due to inherent weaknesses.

FAQs

How can I use "vulnerable to attack" in a sentence?

You can use "vulnerable to attack" to describe a weakness or susceptibility. For example, "The city's coastal defenses were "vulnerable to attack" by sea", or "The outdated software made the system "vulnerable to attack" by hackers".

What are some alternatives to "vulnerable to attack"?

Some alternatives include "susceptible to assault", "at risk of being targeted", or "defenseless against aggression". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "vulnerable to attack" or "susceptible to attack"?

Both "vulnerable to attack" and "susceptible to attack" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "Vulnerable" often implies a broader range of potential harm, while "susceptible" can suggest a specific predisposition. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What makes something "vulnerable to attack"?

A variety of factors can make something "vulnerable to attack", including weaknesses in defenses, lack of protection, exposure to threats, or inherent susceptibilities. These factors can apply to physical entities (like a city) or abstract systems (like a computer network).