emotionally vulnerable

USAGE SUMMARY

'emotionally vulnerable' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is easily affected emotionally by their environment or circumstances. For example, "The traumatic events had left her feeling emotionally vulnerable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And an emotionally vulnerable wreck.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

She is wickedly smart, slightly aloof and emotionally vulnerable.

The New York Times

The luminous soprano Jessica Rivera is an emotionally vulnerable Kumudha.

The New York Times - Arts

It's nearly nine minutes long, emotionally vulnerable and incredibly bittersweet.

The Guardian - Music

Or perhaps bad eating habits somehow leaves one more emotionally vulnerable, feeling losses more keenly.

The Economist

"So we have some kids who are very emotionally vulnerable," she added.

The New York Times

I really don't know if I've got the courage to make myself so emotionally vulnerable again.

The Guardian

An exception is a small, wry, emotionally vulnerable 1981 drawing, "Self-Portrait Exaggerating My Negroid Features".

The New York Times - Arts

"She indicated that this began at a time when she was emotionally vulnerable," the report said.

The Guardian

An exception is a wry, emotionally vulnerable 1981 drawing, "Self-Portrait Exaggerating My Negroid Features".

The New York Times - Arts

They are emotionally vulnerable but physically brave, as well as powerfully imaginative and sometimes spacey — like real kids.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In sensitive contexts like healthcare or social work, use "emotionally vulnerable" with care and precision to avoid stigmatizing individuals. Ensure you prioritize their dignity and respect.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "emotionally vulnerable" to describe a person or situation. Vary your language with synonyms like "sensitive", "fragile", or "exposed" to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "emotionally vulnerable" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun to describe a state of being easily affected by emotions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Examples show it describing people, characters, and even situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Arts

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "emotionally vulnerable" is a commonly used adjective phrase that effectively describes a state of heightened sensitivity and susceptibility to emotional harm. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. Its frequent occurrence in news, media, and artistic sources reflects its relevance in discussions of human experience and character portrayal. While versatile, it's important to consider alternative phrasing to avoid overuse and maintain clarity and impact in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

susceptible to emotional distress

Emphasizes the ease with which someone can be upset.

easily hurt emotionally

Highlights the ease of causing emotional pain.

sensitive to emotional impact

Focuses on the degree to which emotions affect someone.

emotionally exposed

Conveys a lack of emotional protection.

psychologically fragile

Indicates a delicate mental state.

open to emotional influence

Highlights the susceptibility to external emotions.

in a delicate emotional state

Suggests a temporary condition of heightened sensitivity.

unprotected emotionally

Emphasizes the lack of defenses against emotional harm.

liable to emotional suffering

Focuses on the likelihood of experiencing emotional pain.

defenseless emotionally

Conveys a complete lack of emotional protection.

FAQs

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

You can use "emotionally vulnerable" to describe someone who is easily affected by their emotions or circumstances. For example, "The loss made him "emotionally vulnerable"."

What are some synonyms for "emotionally vulnerable"?

Alternatives include "sensitive", "fragile", or "exposed", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is it appropriate to use "emotionally vulnerable" in formal writing?

Yes, "emotionally vulnerable" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing psychological or sociological topics. However, ensure the context warrants its use.

What is the difference between "emotionally vulnerable" and "emotionally weak"?

"Emotionally vulnerable" suggests susceptibility to emotional harm or influence, while "emotionally weak" implies a lack of resilience or strength in managing emotions. The former is often a temporary state, while the latter suggests a more enduring trait.