a vulnerable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vulnerable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a person or thing that is susceptible to harm or emotional distress. Example: "In times of crisis, it is important to support a vulnerable population that may be affected the most."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was a vulnerable boy.

Independent

"It's such a vulnerable time.

The New Yorker

She has a vulnerable side.

The New Yorker

You become a vulnerable observer.

The New York Times - Arts

A "Vulnerable Vibes" beanie?

The Washington Post

It's a vulnerable admission.

The Washington Post

It was a vulnerable, ragged, honest moment.

The New York Times - Arts

The switching is a vulnerable time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Netanyahu was, in theory, a vulnerable incumbent.

The New Yorker

She made a vulnerable Treemonisha.

The New York Times - Arts

The ankle is a vulnerable structure.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical or scientific writing, specify the nature of the vulnerability (e.g., "a vulnerable structure" or "a vulnerable species") to provide clarity.

Common error

Writers often replace 'vulnerable' with synonyms that start with a vowel, such as 'at-risk' or 'exposed', but forget to change the article 'a' to 'an'. Always double-check that your indefinite article matches the sound of the following adjective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vulnerable" consists of an indefinite article followed by an adjective. It functions as an adjectival modifier within a noun phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it is consistently used to attribute a state of susceptibility or openness to a following noun, whether that noun is a person, an object, or an abstract concept like an 'economy' or 'illusion'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a vulnerable" is a highly versatile and correct English expression used across a wide variety of domains. Based on the data from Ludwig, it appears most frequently in News & Media to describe people or systems in precarious positions, but it also maintains a strong presence in Science and Academia for technical descriptions of risk. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically standard and interchangeable with alternatives like "an at-risk" or "a defenseless" depending on the specific nuance required. Whether used to signal a 'vulnerable economy' or 'a vulnerable boy', the phrase effectively communicates a lack of protection and a heightened potential for impact or harm. Writers should ensure the indefinite article 'a' is properly matched with the consonant sound of 'vulnerable' and consider the emotional weight the word carries in social contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a defenseless

Implies a total lack of protection or ability to resist.

an at-risk

Common in social science and medical contexts to denote potential for negative outcomes.

a susceptible

Suggests a specific sensitivity to a particular force or influence.

an unprotected

Focuses on the absence of physical or legal safeguards.

a fragile

Emphasizes the ease with which the subject might be broken or damaged.

an exposed

Highlights the lack of cover or concealment from threats.

a precarious

Focuses on the instability of a situation rather than the subject itself.

a sensitive

Used when the vulnerability relates to emotional or delicate matters.

a weak

A more general term indicating a lack of strength or power.

a threatened

Indicates that the vulnerability is currently being targeted or is under pressure.

FAQs

How do I use "a vulnerable" in a sentence?

You can use it to modify a noun that is open to harm, such as "The NGO focuses on protecting "a vulnerable population" in the conflict zone".

What can I say instead of "a vulnerable"?

Depending on the intensity, you could use "a defenseless", "an at-risk", or "a susceptible" individual.

Is "a vulnerable" or "an vulnerable" correct?

The correct form is "a vulnerable" because 'vulnerable' starts with a consonant sound. Use 'an' only if the adjective begins with a vowel sound, like "an exposed" position.

What is the difference between "a vulnerable" and "a weak" person?

While "a weak" person lacks physical or mental strength, "a vulnerable" person is specifically in a position where they can be easily hurt or influenced, regardless of their inherent strength.