feeling vulnerable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feeling vulnerable" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing a state of emotional openness or sensitivity, often in contexts related to personal experiences or relationships. Example: "After sharing my story, I found myself feeling vulnerable." Alternative expressions include "feeling exposed" and "feeling defenseless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Religious minorities are feeling vulnerable and insecure.

The New York Times

But I guess I was feeling vulnerable.

The New York Times

So sometimes you end up on your own, feeling vulnerable.

Independent

But Abbas, feeling vulnerable, demurred — and the U.S. veto ensued.

The New York Times

It sounds as if you are feeling vulnerable.

The Guardian

"People are feeling vulnerable and unsure," Ms. Salzman added.

The New York Times

These days, Iran's Islamic rulers are feeling vulnerable.

The New York Times

That left the passengers in the car feeling vulnerable anew.

The New York Times

"You are feeling vulnerable right from the first day.

The Guardian

"Young people are feeling vulnerable in their jobs, and so they go conservative with their look".

The New York Times

As a wobbly newcomer to clinical medicine, it left me feeling vulnerable and violated.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "feeling vulnerable", consider the specific emotion you want to convey. While it broadly means susceptible to harm, choosing more precise language can enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "feeling vulnerable" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language with synonyms like "feeling exposed" or "feeling insecure" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeling vulnerable" functions as an adjectival phrase, describing a state of emotional susceptibility or exposure. It often modifies a subject to indicate their current emotional state, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feeling vulnerable" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a state of emotional susceptibility. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it is frequently used in news and media, as well as in scientific contexts. The phrase functions as an adjectival phrase, conveying a sense of personal risk or insecurity. While there are many semantically related alternatives, such as "feeling exposed" or "feeling defenseless", it's important to choose the most precise language to effectively communicate the intended emotion. Remember to avoid overuse and vary your vocabulary for a more engaging writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vulnerable

Shorter, more direct; emphasizes the state of being susceptible to harm or attack.

feeling exposed

Emphasizes the sensation of being uncovered or revealed, often in a negative way.

feeling defenseless

Highlights the lack of protection or ability to resist harm.

feeling insecure

Focuses on a lack of confidence and stability, often related to anxiety.

feeling fragile

Suggests a delicate state, easily broken or damaged emotionally.

feeling sensitive

Emphasizes heightened emotional awareness and reactivity.

feeling threatened

Indicates a perception of impending danger or harm.

feeling unsafe

Focuses on the absence of security and protection.

feeling helpless

Highlights a lack of agency or ability to influence a situation.

feeling weak

Emphasizes a lack of strength, either physically or emotionally.

FAQs

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

You can use "feeling vulnerable" to describe a state of emotional openness or susceptibility to harm. For example, "After sharing my personal story, I was "feeling vulnerable"."

What can I say instead of "feeling vulnerable"?

You can use alternatives like "feeling exposed", "feeling defenseless", or "feeling insecure" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "feeling vulnerable"?

Yes, "feeling vulnerable" is grammatically correct. "Feeling" acts as a present participle modifying the subject, describing the state of being vulnerable.

What is the difference between "feeling vulnerable" and "being vulnerable"?

"Feeling vulnerable" describes the subjective emotional experience of vulnerability, whereas "being vulnerable" describes the objective state of being susceptible to harm or attack.