more vulnerable to damage

USAGE SUMMARY

"more vulnerable to damage" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is more likely to be harmed or affected by something. Examples: 1. The old house is more vulnerable to damage during a storm because of its weak foundation. 2. This type of fabric is more vulnerable to damage from sunlight, so it's not recommended for outdoor use. 3. The small businesses in the area are more vulnerable to damage from economic downturns than larger corporations. 4. Elderly people are more vulnerable to damage from falls, so it's important to take extra precautions in their homes. 5. The delicate electronic equipment is more vulnerable to damage from power surges, so it's important to use surge protectors.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

That increase, in turn, is making coastlines more vulnerable to damage from the storm surges that can accompany powerful hurricanes.

The New York Times

While young cancer patients are more vulnerable to damage because their organs are still growing, Dr. Oeffinger said, the study has obvious implications for adults.

The New York Times

The National Gallery in London has reduced the number of warders it employs in a move that has raised concerns among some art and security experts for making its collection more vulnerable to damage or theft.

The Guardian - Arts

Coastal ecosystems are likely to be the first to pose difficult conservation problems, as sea level rise inundates protected areas or makes them more vulnerable to damage in storms.

The New York Times - Science

Insuring a brick home, meanwhile (which is more vulnerable to damage from shaking), could cost from $3 to $15 per $1,000 in the Pacific Northwest, and 60 to 90 cents per $1,000 for coverage in New York.

The New York Times

Trees with smooth bark, like ficuses, might be more vulnerable to damage from removing graffiti, but Ms. Short said that steel wool would most likely work on those species, and that in some cases limited use of painting over graffiti would probably not cause much harm.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Non-availability of stabilizers makes the equipment more vulnerable to damages due to electric fluctuations.

Unicef

Therefore, the peripheral areas of LGs may be less vascularized and more vulnerable to damages that are caused by reduced blood flow.

Cell Death and Disease

Many earthquakes have indicated that the mainshock-damaged structures may be more vulnerable to severe damage and collapse during the subsequent aftershocks.

Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering

A possible speculation is that with decreasing levels of melatonin, individuals suffering from chronic circadian disruption become more vulnerable to brain damage associated with learning and memory impairment [ 49].

BMC Infectious Diseases

Corals can survive bleaching but they become more vulnerable to further damage while the condition persists.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts, use "more vulnerable to damage" to highlight potential negative impacts. For example, "The company's reputation is more vulnerable to damage during a crisis."

Common error

Avoid using "more vulnerable to damage" repeatedly in technical documents. Instead, vary your language with synonyms such as "susceptible", "prone", or "at risk" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more vulnerable to damage" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes a state of increased susceptibility to harm or negative impact. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing various subjects, from coastlines to cancer patients, all sharing a common characteristic of being easily harmed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more vulnerable to damage" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe an increased susceptibility to harm or negative impact. As indicated by Ludwig, its contexts range from scientific research to news reporting, maintaining a neutral register. The phrase functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to highlight potential weaknesses or risks. While widely applicable, it's advisable to vary language with synonyms like "susceptible" or "prone" in technical writing to avoid repetition. This phrase effectively communicates a heightened risk across diverse contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more susceptible to harm

Replaces "damage" with "harm", focusing on the potential for injury or negative effects.

more prone to injury

Substitutes "vulnerable" with "prone" and "damage" with "injury", emphasizing physical harm.

more at risk of deterioration

Uses "at risk" instead of "vulnerable" and "deterioration" in place of "damage", highlighting a decline in condition.

more exposed to degradation

Employs "exposed" to convey vulnerability and "degradation" to signify a decline in quality or condition.

more sensitive to impairment

Replaces "vulnerable" with "sensitive" and "damage" with "impairment", suggesting a heightened reactivity to negative influences.

increasingly susceptible to failure

Highlights the growing likelihood of breakdown or malfunction.

easily harmed

Offers a simpler, more direct way to express the idea of being easily damaged.

less resistant to breakage

Focuses on the lack of resistance to physical damage, specifically breakage.

more defenseless against destruction

Emphasizes the lack of protection against complete ruin or devastation.

at greater risk of being compromised

Indicates a higher chance of being weakened or having its integrity undermined.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "more vulnerable to damage"?

You can use alternatives like "more susceptible to harm", "more prone to injury", or "more at risk of deterioration" depending on the specific context.

What makes something "more vulnerable to damage"?

Factors contributing to increased vulnerability can include structural weaknesses, lack of protection, environmental exposure, or inherent fragility. The specific cause depends on the subject being described.

Is it better to say "more vulnerable to damage" or "more susceptible to damage"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "More vulnerable to damage" may be slightly more common, but the choice depends on personal preference and the specific context.

Can "more vulnerable to damage" apply to non-physical things?

Yes, it can. The phrase can describe the susceptibility of abstract concepts such as reputations, financial systems, or even emotional states to negative impacts or harm. For instance, "The company's reputation is "more vulnerable to damage" after the scandal".