sense of vulnerability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sense of vulnerability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of being exposed to potential harm or emotional distress. Example: "After sharing her personal story, she felt a strong sense of vulnerability in the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's always this sense of vulnerability.

Yale University

This sense of vulnerability was strangely moving.

The Telegraph

Plath's sense of vulnerability here is acute.

The New Yorker

There is a deep sense of vulnerability in our universities.

Columbia University

"There is a sense of vulnerability there," Ms. Obe said.

The New York Times

Another is a sense of vulnerability and victimisation.

The Guardian

"There's a sense of vulnerability now," she said.

The New York Times

We all must live with a constant sense of vulnerability.

The Guardian

There is little sense of vulnerability in her powerful limbs.

The New York Times - Arts

It's that sense of vulnerability that is shocking".

The New York Times

It gave us a shared sense of vulnerability and connection.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sense of vulnerability" to precisely convey a feeling of being exposed to potential harm, whether physical or emotional. Consider the specific context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "sense of vulnerability" when a more specific emotion like fear, anxiety, or insecurity is more accurate. Ensure the phrase reflects a broad feeling of susceptibility rather than a distinct emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of vulnerability" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct. It acts as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting a feeling or awareness of being exposed to potential harm.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

15%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sense of vulnerability" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a feeling of being exposed to potential harm or emotional distress, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It frequently appears in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts. While alternatives like "feeling of insecurity" and "awareness of fragility" exist, "sense of vulnerability" is widely understood and accepted. To use it effectively, ensure it accurately reflects the broad feeling of susceptibility, and avoid overgeneralizing when more specific emotions are applicable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling of insecurity

Focuses on the lack of confidence and stability, shifting from vulnerability to internal emotional state.

feeling of exposure

Highlights the state of being open to harm or criticism, emphasizing the lack of protection.

awareness of fragility

Emphasizes the delicate nature and susceptibility to damage, moving from a general sense to a more specific recognition of weakness.

perception of risk

Focuses on the cognitive assessment of potential danger, shifting from emotion to a rational evaluation.

state of defenselessness

Highlights the lack of ability to protect oneself, focusing on the absence of defenses.

susceptibility to harm

Emphasizes the likelihood of being affected negatively, shifting from a general feeling to a specific condition.

feeling of helplessness

Focuses on the lack of control over a situation, shifting the emphasis to the inability to act.

impression of weakness

Highlights the perceived lack of strength or resilience, focusing on outward appearance.

recognition of limitations

Emphasizes acknowledging one's own boundaries and vulnerabilities, moving towards self-awareness.

a fragile state

Focuses on the unstable and easily damaged condition, emphasizing the overall state rather than the feeling.

FAQs

How can I use "sense of vulnerability" in a sentence?

You can use "sense of vulnerability" to describe a feeling of being open to potential harm or emotional distress. For example: "After the attack, the community felt a strong sense of vulnerability."

What are some alternatives to "sense of vulnerability"?

You can use alternatives like "feeling of insecurity", "feeling of exposure", or "awareness of fragility" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a sense of vulnerable"?

No, the correct phrasing is "a sense of vulnerability". "Vulnerability" is a noun, while "vulnerable" is an adjective. The noun form is required after the preposition "of".

What contributes to a heightened "sense of vulnerability"?

Factors like personal experiences, societal events, or perceived threats can heighten a "sense of vulnerability". For instance, recent terrorist attacks can increase our own "sense of vulnerability".