a vulnerable state

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vulnerable state" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a condition or situation where someone or something is exposed to harm or risk. Example: "After the recent events, the community found itself in a vulnerable state, requiring immediate support and assistance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

She said that being in a "vulnerable" state was no excuse.

Independent

Many countries across the region are entering the El Niño period in a vulnerable state.

The Guardian

And what was intended as a bold attempt to put an audience in a vulnerable state soon became a gimmick.

The New York Times - Arts

Through most of the film, Akiko is adrift, in transit, in a vulnerable state of in-betweenness without a fixed identity.

The New York Times

Iran is in a vulnerable state: It has reached a post-revolutionary dead end where its anti-American rhetoric serves no strategic purpose.

The New York Times

The sanctions are aimed at the economic stability of a vulnerable state dependent on tourism – which is precisely why the terrorists struck Tunisia in the first place.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

The girl was not only a minor but in a highly vulnerable state; the decision was an unprecedented one.

The New Yorker

You don't have to be Oedipal to mourn the loss of a parent and Hamlet is in a very vulnerable state when he's given the information about a ghost appearing on the premises.

Huffington Post

Remember that your loved one is suffering from an emotional problem and is in a very vulnerable state.

WikiHow

Admitting that you live in a home plagued with domestic violence or abuse forces an individual to put himself or herself in a very vulnerable state.

Huffington Post

As a former senior official in the Department of Homeland Security wrote this month, our country is in "an unprecedented vulnerable state as it welcomes a new president and rescues a battered economy... creating a fertile ground for a terrorist attack".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a vulnerable state", consider the specific type of vulnerability you want to convey. Is it physical, emotional, economic, or political? Choose words that clarify the nature and scope of the vulnerability.

Common error

Avoid using "a vulnerable state" when the situation is merely inconvenient or slightly risky. Reserve it for situations where there is a genuine risk of significant harm or negative consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vulnerable state" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "vulnerable" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "state". It typically describes a condition or situation characterized by susceptibility to harm, risk, or negative outcomes. As seen in the examples from Ludwig, it is often used to characterize people, economies, or even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

32%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a vulnerable state" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a condition of susceptibility to harm or risk. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is applicable across various contexts, but most prominently in News & Media and Science. When writing, consider the specific context and audience to convey the intended nuance. Remember to use this phrase to clearly describe a condition or situation of being exposed to harm or risk. Alternatives include "a precarious state", "a susceptible state" and others.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a precarious state

Indicates a situation that is unstable and could quickly become dangerous; emphasizes instability.

a susceptible state

Highlights the likelihood of being affected by something negative, such as illness or harm; focuses on receptiveness to negative influences.

a tenuous state

Suggests a situation that is fragile and easily disrupted; emphasizes fragility.

a helpless state

Highlights the lack of ability to protect oneself; focuses on the inability to act.

a weak state

Describes a condition of lacking physical or political strength; emphasizes lack of power or resilience.

a disadvantaged state

Focuses on lacking the necessary resources or opportunities for well-being; emphasizes unfair circumstances.

a sensitive state

Highlights heightened emotional or physical responsiveness; emphasizes increased reactivity.

a frail state

Describes a condition of physical weakness and delicacy; emphasizes physical fragility.

a threatened state

Suggests exposure to potential danger or harm; emphasizes external risk.

a perilous condition

Implies immediate danger and risk of harm; emphasizes high risk.

FAQs

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

You can use "a vulnerable state" to describe a condition of being open to physical or emotional harm. For example: "The patient was in "a vulnerable state" after surgery" or "The economy is in "a vulnerable state" due to high unemployment".

What are some alternatives to "a vulnerable state"?

Some alternatives include "a precarious state", "a susceptible state", or "a tenuous state". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "in vulnerable state" or "in a vulnerable state"?

The correct and more common usage is "in a vulnerable state". The article "a" is necessary because "vulnerable state" is a countable noun phrase, indicating a specific instance or condition.

What's the difference between "a vulnerable state" and "a fragile state"?

"A vulnerable state" implies susceptibility to harm or attack, whereas "a fragile state" suggests instability and a likelihood of breaking down. They both describe weakness but emphasize different aspects.