feel vulnerable

USAGE SUMMARY

"feel vulnerable" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used in various contexts to describe a state of feeling exposed or susceptible to harm or criticism. Example: After losing her job, Sarah felt vulnerable and unsure of her future. Example: The new security measures made the students feel vulnerable and uncomfortable. Example: As she shared her personal story, Rachel couldn't help but feel vulnerable and exposed.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It makes you feel vulnerable.

The New York Times

But I still feel vulnerable.

Independent

"It makes people feel vulnerable.

The New York Times

Yes, they feel vulnerable".

The New York Times

But residents feel vulnerable.

The New York Times

"People today feel vulnerable.

The New York Times - Style

They feel vulnerable.

The New York Times

They don't want to feel vulnerable".

The New York Times

In economic terms, ordinary Japanese feel vulnerable.

The Economist

I feel vulnerable some days.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I wanted to feel vulnerable.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing emotional states in writing, use "feel vulnerable" to express a character's or subject's sense of exposure to emotional or physical harm. This accurately conveys feelings of insecurity or being at risk.

Common error

While "feel vulnerable" is acceptable in many contexts, overuse can weaken the impact. Consider replacing it with more specific descriptions of the underlying emotions, like "anxious", "exposed", or "insecure", to offer a richer and more nuanced portrayal.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "feel vulnerable" is as a predicate adjective. The verb "feel" links the subject to the adjective "vulnerable", describing the subject's state or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

9%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feel vulnerable" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a state of being open to emotional or physical harm. Ludwig AI confirms its proper and widespread usage. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Formal & Business and Science contexts. While versatile, it's important to be mindful of overuse in formal writing; consider more specific emotion descriptors for nuanced portrayals. Alternatives such as "feel exposed", "feel defenseless", or "feel at risk" can add depth and precision to your writing. By understanding its nuances and alternatives, you can effectively convey feelings of insecurity and exposure in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel exposed

Emphasizes a sense of being revealed or uncovered, heightening the feeling of vulnerability.

feel defenseless

Highlights the lack of protection or ability to resist harm, thus mirroring the core sentiment of vulnerability.

feel unprotected

Directly implies a lack of safety or security, aligning closely with feeling vulnerable.

feel at risk

Indicates a state of potential danger or harm, similar to the sense of vulnerability.

feel insecure

Focuses on the emotional aspect of lacking confidence and stability, reflecting a state of vulnerability.

feel threatened

Suggests an external source causing the feeling of vulnerability, implying a potential for harm.

feel susceptible

Emphasizes the ease with which one can be affected by external influences, mirroring the idea of vulnerability.

feel frail

Highlights physical or emotional weakness, contributing to the sense of being vulnerable.

feel helpless

Stresses the inability to take effective action to prevent harm, thus amplifying the sensation of vulnerability.

feel precarious

Implies instability and uncertainty, which can lead to a feeling of vulnerability.

FAQs

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

You can use "feel vulnerable" to describe a state of being open to emotional or physical harm. For example: "After the betrayal, she started to feel vulnerable and exposed", or "Speaking publicly made him feel vulnerable and uneasy".

What are some alternatives to "feel vulnerable"?

Alternatives include phrases like "feel exposed", "feel defenseless", or "feel at risk", which convey similar meanings depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "feel vulnerable" and "feel threatened"?

"Feel vulnerable" suggests a general sense of being open to harm, while "feel threatened" implies a specific, identifiable threat. Feeling threatened often accompanies feeling vulnerable, but the latter can exist without an immediate threat.

Is it grammatically correct to say "feel vulnerable"?

Yes, "feel vulnerable" is grammatically correct. The verb "feel" is a linking verb, and "vulnerable" is an adjective that describes the state or condition of the subject.