a vulnerable situation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vulnerable situation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a scenario where someone or something is exposed to potential harm or risk. Example: "The community found itself in a vulnerable situation after the natural disaster, requiring immediate assistance and support."

✓ Grammatically correct

Formal & Business

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Within HIC, the 'invisible' children refer also to children acknowledged as being in a vulnerable situation, but with 'invisible' vulnerabilities (also identified through fieldwork activities).

Unicef

The households were classified into three categories using the vulnerability index: less vulnerable are households that are in a vulnerable situation but can still cope; moderately vulnerable households are those that need urgent but temporary assistance in case of shock and stresses; and the highly vulnerable are those households that are almost at a point of no return.

Pastoralism

It is a vulnerable situation to be in in so many ways.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The guys are in a vulnerable situation, talking about trauma they have experienced," she said.

The New Yorker

This isn't a great combination with sea level rises and means that we are in a vulnerable situation".

The Guardian - Tech

"If they thought it was intentional, they came out to make sure that I wasn't in a vulnerable situation, being among their team.

The New York Times - Sports

"If we leave them in a vulnerable situation, their own health will deteriorate, meaning there'll be greater pressure on other parts of the NHS at a later date".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"It's an extremely expensive process for people who are in a very vulnerable situation," Jesús Pérez, 25, an accountant and volunteer at the Centro Bonó, an educational center dedicated to social justice that is helping Francis find a way to normalize his status.

Huffington Post

The rains began earlier this month impacting an already vulnerable situation in a country where more than 1 million people are already displaced.

Vice

As parents are in a very vulnerable situation in the neonatal unit progressing on an often long, unpredictable and complicated journey, special approach and tools are needed to distill their overwhelming experience.

Journal of Neonatal Nursing

Medical residents, as a population that is in formation and that represents the workforce in public hospitals, are in a particularly vulnerable situation for the development of burnout syndrome (BOS), defined as a psychosocial disease in response to chronic stress in the work environment.

European Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a vulnerable situation", consider the specific type of vulnerability involved (e.g., emotional, physical, financial) to provide more context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a vulnerable situation" as a generic descriptor. Instead, specify what makes the situation vulnerable and who or what is at risk.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vulnerable situation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a state or set of circumstances characterized by potential harm or risk, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

47%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a vulnerable situation" is a frequently used phrase across various contexts to describe scenarios where individuals or entities are at risk. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. The phrase appears most commonly in scientific and news-related contexts, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using the phrase, ensure to provide specific details about the nature of the vulnerability to enhance clarity. Alternative phrases like "a precarious position" or "a risky situation" can be used depending on the context to convey nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a precarious position

Emphasizes instability and potential danger, highlighting the uncertainty of the circumstances.

a risky situation

Focuses on the element of risk and potential negative outcomes.

a dangerous situation

Highlights the potential for harm or injury, emphasizing the severity of the circumstances.

an exposed position

Stresses the lack of protection or defense, indicating susceptibility to harm.

a compromised state

Implies a weakening or undermining of one's ability to cope or defend oneself.

an unprotected state

Focuses on the absence of safeguards or security measures.

a defenseless position

Highlights the inability to resist or ward off potential threats.

a susceptible condition

Emphasizes the likelihood of being affected by negative influences or harm.

a delicate state

Indicates a need for careful handling to avoid adverse consequences.

an insecure situation

Focuses on the lack of stability and certainty, suggesting potential for negative changes.

FAQs

How can I use "a vulnerable situation" in a sentence?

You can use "a vulnerable situation" to describe scenarios where someone or something is at risk or exposed to potential harm. For example: "The refugees were in "a vulnerable situation" after losing their homes".

What are some alternatives to "a vulnerable situation"?

Alternatives include "a precarious position", "a risky situation", or "a dangerous situation", depending on the specific context.

Which is the correct expression, "a vulnerable situation" or "an vulnerable situation"?

"A vulnerable situation" is correct. Since "vulnerable" starts with a consonant sound, the article "a" is used instead of "an".

What makes a situation "a vulnerable situation"?

A situation is ""a vulnerable situation"" when individuals or entities are exposed to potential harm, risk, or exploitation, often due to factors like lack of resources, protection, or power.