highly vulnerable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'highly vulnerable' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe people, animals, or environments that are in danger or at risk of being harmed. For example: The highly vulnerable population of endangered monkeys must be protected from poachers.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

America looks highly vulnerable.

The Economist

Vehicle manufacturing is highly vulnerable.

The Economist

"We're highly vulnerable".

The New York Times

Democrats remain highly vulnerable on the economy.

The New York Times

He believes Mr. Towns is highly vulnerable.

The New York Times

Africa is highly vulnerable to climate change.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it is a highly vulnerable group.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Migrant workers are also highly vulnerable.

The Guardian

Bosnia and Herzegovina's position became highly vulnerable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Mr Love is a highly vulnerable young man," he added.

The Guardian

Sex workers are highly vulnerable to contracting HIV.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific group or entity as "highly vulnerable", clearly identify the source of the vulnerability to provide context and avoid generalizations. For instance, instead of saying "Children are highly vulnerable", specify "Children are highly vulnerable to the effects of air pollution".

Common error

Avoid using "highly vulnerable" as a default descriptor without providing supporting evidence or specific reasons for the increased risk. Back up the claim with concrete examples or data to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highly vulnerable" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a state of being at significant risk or susceptibility to harm. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "highly vulnerable" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something or someone at significant risk. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used across diverse fields like news, science, and encyclopedias, signaling a broad applicability. When using "highly vulnerable", ensure you provide context to specify the source of vulnerability and avoid generalizations. Consider alternatives like "extremely susceptible" or "critically at risk" for nuanced expression. Remember, while the phrase is widely accepted, overstating vulnerability without evidence weakens your argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely susceptible

Emphasizes the degree of susceptibility, similar to "highly vulnerable".

critically at risk

Highlights the severity of the risk involved.

seriously threatened

Emphasizes the presence of a significant danger.

very exposed

Focuses on the lack of protection or cover, implying a greater risk of harm.

gravely endangered

Suggests a severe threat to continued existence or well-being.

incredibly defenseless

Highlights the lack of ability to protect oneself.

quite precarious

Implies instability and a high likelihood of negative consequences.

easily exploited

Focuses on the potential for others to take advantage.

particularly sensitive

Emphasizes heightened responsiveness to external factors, implying vulnerability.

distinctly fragile

Highlights the delicate nature and susceptibility to damage.

FAQs

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

You can use "highly vulnerable" to describe individuals, groups, or systems that are at a high risk of being harmed or negatively affected by something. For example, "The elderly population is "highly vulnerable" to respiratory infections".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "highly vulnerable"?

Some alternatives to "highly vulnerable" include "extremely susceptible", "critically at risk", or "seriously threatened". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "very highly vulnerable"?

Yes, saying "very highly vulnerable" is generally considered redundant. The word "highly" already intensifies the adjective "vulnerable", so adding "very" doesn't significantly enhance the meaning and can sound awkward. Stick to using just ""highly vulnerable"".

What is the difference between "highly vulnerable" and "potentially vulnerable"?

"Highly vulnerable" indicates a present and significant risk, while "potentially vulnerable" suggests a possible or future risk that may or may not materialize. The former implies a greater level of immediate concern.