slightly vulnerable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly vulnerable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being somewhat exposed or susceptible to harm or criticism, often in a nuanced or less severe way. Example: "After sharing her personal story, she felt slightly vulnerable but also relieved to have opened up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

The boy king currently sitting on the Iron Throne looking slightly vulnerable and very easy to kill.

The Guardian - Tech

Henry, without elaborating, says he has identified areas where the Wallabies may be, if not exactly flimsy, then slightly vulnerable.

The Guardian - Sport

Other people join me; we swim around each other, excited about being in at last, the thrill of doing something slightly vulnerable and exposing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This innovative road runoff management concept can thus be readily implemented outside groundwater protection zones where aquifers are slightly vulnerable; it undoubtedly lowers the environmental impact of roads, does not endanger road integrity, and locally increases aquifer recharge.

Science of The Total Environment

"The only place where Mitt was even slightly vulnerable was with a pro-Trump challenger, and this takes that off the table," said Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox of Utah.

The New York Times

Those people referred to the scheme are often "confused young men who are slightly vulnerable", according to another mentor, a staff member from one of the 50 or so community groups tasked by the Home Office to work on Channel.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

This is consistent with the findings of other studies, 5 16 which reported that the slightly less vulnerable may benefit more from such schemes, with non-financial barriers undermining access to services for the most vulnerable socioeconomic groups.

BMJ Open

It was the point where the tiresome laddy banter of old gave way to something slightly more vulnerable and self-aware.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

They may have been slightly more vulnerable to the swinging, bouncing new ball; moreover cricketers are generally suspicious creatures, who like a routine.

The Guardian - Sport

At that point, in that school, everyone knew that it really was the taking part that mattered and not winning, and the presence of someone who is slightly different, vulnerable, changed the values in that school".

The Guardian

"When we were younger and slightly more vulnerable, someone pissed us off, trying to make us sound less live, reduce the power of the bass and make us sound American," recalls Love.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In business writing, use "slightly vulnerable" to acknowledge potential weaknesses in a plan or strategy. This demonstrates transparency and allows for proactive problem-solving.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly vulnerable" when a situation warrants a stronger term like "highly vulnerable" or "critically exposed". Misrepresenting the degree of vulnerability can lead to misinformed decisions and inadequate precautions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly vulnerable" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a state of being somewhat exposed or susceptible. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, making it suitable for describing a nuanced state of risk or weakness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

24%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slightly vulnerable" is a common and grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to describe a state of being somewhat exposed or susceptible to harm. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various writing contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the context and avoid overstating the degree of vulnerability. Alternatives like "somewhat susceptible" or "a bit exposed" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in tone. The phrase appears most frequently in authoritative news sources such as The Guardian and The New York Times, indicating its acceptance and use in professional and objective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat susceptible

Replaces "slightly" with "somewhat", indicating a similar level of exposure but with a different emphasis.

a bit exposed

Uses "a bit" instead of "slightly", offering a more informal tone while conveying a similar degree of vulnerability.

mildly at risk

Substitutes "vulnerable" with "at risk" and "slightly" with "mildly", changing the wording while retaining the core meaning of being somewhat endangered.

marginally insecure

Emphasizes the aspect of insecurity associated with vulnerability, suggesting a slight lack of stability or safety.

relatively unprotected

Focuses on the lack of protection, implying a limited degree of defense or security.

a little fragile

Replaces "vulnerable" with "fragile", highlighting the delicate and easily damaged nature of the subject.

barely defended

Highlights the minimal level of defense or resistance against potential threats.

easily influenced

Shifts the focus to susceptibility to external influence, implying a weakness to persuasion or manipulation.

somewhat weak

Replaces "vulnerable" with "weak", focusing on a lack of strength or resilience.

in a precarious position

Highlights the instability and uncertainty of the situation, suggesting a potential for negative consequences.

FAQs

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

You can use "slightly vulnerable" to describe someone or something that is somewhat exposed or susceptible to harm, such as "The new software system is "slightly vulnerable" to cyber attacks" or "After the surgery, he felt "slightly vulnerable"".

What are some alternatives to "slightly vulnerable"?

Alternatives to "slightly vulnerable" include "somewhat susceptible", "a bit exposed", or "mildly at risk". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a slightly vulnerable"?

While grammatically possible, it's more common and natural to omit the article "a" before "slightly vulnerable" when it functions as an adjective phrase. For example, "The system is slightly vulnerable" sounds better than "The system is a slightly vulnerable system".

What's the difference between "slightly vulnerable" and "highly vulnerable"?

"Slightly vulnerable" indicates a mild degree of susceptibility, while "highly vulnerable" suggests a much greater risk. Using "slightly" implies that the exposure is minimal and manageable, whereas "highly" suggests a significant and potentially dangerous level of risk.