most vulnerable

USAGE SUMMARY

"most vulnerable" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a person, place, or thing that is especially susceptible to harm or danger. For example, "The elderly are the most vulnerable members of society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Its most vulnerable member?

The Guardian - Opinion

Which top seeds look most vulnerable?

The New York Times

The next most vulnerable people are Latinos.

The New York Times

George Packer on the most vulnerable Iraqis.

The New Yorker

He's the reactor, the most vulnerable.

The New Yorker

These people are the most vulnerable here.

Independent

The crime typically exploits the most vulnerable.

Independent

The most vulnerable senior official is Cambone.

The New Yorker

What determines who is most vulnerable?

The New York Times

"They are the most vulnerable.

The Guardian

The most vulnerable in society".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "most vulnerable" to highlight a specific weakness or susceptibility in a system, strategy, or individual, indicating where resources or protection should be focused.

Common error

Avoid using "most vulnerable" as a catch-all phrase. Instead, precisely identify the specific vulnerabilities at play. For example, instead of stating "children are the most vulnerable", specify what makes them vulnerable, like "children are the "most vulnerable to exploitation"".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most vulnerable" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It identifies and emphasizes the extreme degree of susceptibility to harm, danger, or negative outcomes. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

13%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "most vulnerable" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe entities at the highest risk of harm, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its grammatical function is to modify nouns, emphasizing their susceptibility. It frequently appears in contexts such as "News & Media", "Formal & Business", and "Science", carrying a neutral tone despite the often-serious subject matter. The key to using "most vulnerable" effectively lies in providing specific details about the vulnerabilities in question. Related phrases include "at greatest risk", "highly susceptible", and "least protected". Ludwig’s examples further illustrate the phrase’s application across diverse scenarios, underscoring its importance in advocating for protection and support.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at greatest risk

Emphasizes the potential negative outcomes.

least protected

Focuses on the absence of safeguards or barriers.

highly susceptible

Focuses on the degree of likelihood to be affected.

extremely exposed

Highlights the lack of protection from external factors.

very defenseless

Highlights the lack of ability to protect oneself.

easily harmed

Emphasizes the ease with which damage can occur.

most at stake

Focuses on what could be lost or damaged.

highly endangered

Highlights the risk of extinction or severe decline.

most sensitive

Implies a heightened reaction to external stimuli or threats.

critically threatened

Indicates a severe and imminent danger.

FAQs

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

You can use "most vulnerable" to describe individuals, groups, or systems that are at the greatest risk of harm or negative consequences. For example, "The elderly are often the "most vulnerable during heatwaves"".

What are some synonyms for "most vulnerable"?

Alternatives to "most vulnerable" include "at greatest risk", "highly susceptible", or "least protected". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "vulnerable" or "most vulnerable"?

Using "most vulnerable" implies a comparison, indicating the highest degree of vulnerability among a group. "Vulnerable" simply indicates a state of being susceptible to harm. Use "most vulnerable" when you want to emphasize the extreme level of risk compared to others.

What does it mean to be "most vulnerable" in a social context?

In a social context, being "most vulnerable" typically refers to individuals or groups facing systemic barriers, discrimination, or marginalization, which increases their risk of harm. Examples include "most vulnerable refugees", "most vulnerable children", or "most vulnerable elderly".