susceptibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'susceptibility' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an abstract or a metaphorical term usually used to describe a person's vulnerability to physical or emotional harm. For example, a person with a low immune system could have a higher susceptibility to getting sick.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Paul walked back that statement on Monday, telling a Fox News interviewer "hyperbole can get the better of anyone", but the remark gave a glimpse into what critics insist is the senator's achilles heel: a susceptibility to the charge that he is a radical, fringe candidate cut from the same cloth as his father.

The Guardian

Over time, forcing the body to stay awake also affects blood pressure and levels of inflammation, resulting in an increased susceptibility to heart disease and cancer.

The Guardian

Genetic information can reveal all kinds of things about an individual: their likelihood of disease, their ancestral background, their familial relationships and perhaps even their susceptibility to injury.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ironically, one case that raises questions about the courts' susceptibility to pressure saw Mr Thaksin, then prime minister, cleared in 2001 of concealing his assets.The conflict drags on with no end in sight.

The Economist

Academic research has found that people's susceptibility to flattery is without limit and beyond satire.

The Economist

Other genes must therefore be involved.Malarial miceAt McGill University in Montreal, Canada, Philippe Gros and his colleagues are looking for those genes in mice, by comparing the susceptibility of different types of mouse to one stage of the disease.

The Economist

That is because the epigenome mediates environmental influences on gene expression, and so lies at the interface between nature and nurture.This could explain how stress and toxic chemicals affect susceptibility to diseases.

The Economist

The empty nursery Not spreading the faith Ninety-plus, and still young New flora and fauna for old The water of life Reprints Related topics Culture and lifestyle Social issues Ageing and the elderly Science and technology GeneticsThose effects are plain to see: slowing-down and a growing susceptibility to disease.

The Economist

It showed no empirical link in any direction between sex equality and susceptibility to the financial crisis.

The Economist

Its critics fault it for lengthy delays; its susceptibility to interference by Cambodia's current prime minister, Hun Sen; and for kickbacks to local staff, when it was being established.It has also been costly.

The Economist

As far as susceptibility to infection is concerned, then, asymmetry is a useless indicator.Dr Pound and his colleagues did, though, turn up some evidence for a second hypothesis: that symmetry is correlated with intelligence.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "susceptibility" in a scientific context, clearly define the factors that increase the likelihood of the subject being affected (e.g., genetic predispositions, environmental conditions).

Common error

Avoid implying that "susceptibility" guarantees an outcome. Instead, use language that conveys increased risk or probability, rather than definite occurrence. For example, say "increases susceptibility to" instead of "causes".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "susceptibility" is as a noun, representing the state or quality of being susceptible. It often acts as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "susceptibility" functions as a noun indicating a state of vulnerability or predisposition. As shown by Ludwig, it's frequently employed in News & Media and scientific contexts to discuss a range of topics, from disease to economic stability. The term carries a neutral to formal tone and, according to Ludwig AI, its grammatical use is considered correct. To ensure accuracy, it's crucial to differentiate "susceptibility" from certainty and define contributing factors when used scientifically.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vulnerability

Direct synonym focusing on the state of being open to harm or attack.

proneness

Emphasizes a natural inclination or tendency to experience something.

predisposition

Highlights a pre-existing inclination or vulnerability.

receptiveness

Focuses on being open and responsive to influence or suggestions.

openness

Implies a willingness to consider or be affected by something.

inclination

Suggests a natural tendency or urge towards a particular action or state.

liability

Highlights the state of being legally or morally bound to something, or prone to a negative outcome.

weakness

Focuses on a specific point of vulnerability or lack of resistance.

sensitivity

Emphasizes being easily affected or influenced by something.

exposure

Highlights the state of being unprotected and open to risk.

FAQs

How is "susceptibility" used in medical contexts?

In medicine, "susceptibility" typically refers to the degree to which an individual is likely to be affected by a disease or other health condition. It can be influenced by genetic factors, lifestyle, and environmental exposures.

What are some synonyms for "susceptibility"?

Alternatives to "susceptibility" include "vulnerability", "proneness", "predisposition", and "sensitivity". The best choice depends on the specific context.

How does "susceptibility" differ from 'risk'?

"Susceptibility" describes an inherent characteristic that makes someone or something more likely to be affected. "Risk", on the other hand, refers to the probability of an event occurring, taking into account both susceptibility and exposure.

What factors contribute to "susceptibility" to emotional manipulation?

Factors influencing "susceptibility" to manipulation can include low self-esteem, a desire to please others, lack of awareness of manipulation tactics, and emotional state at the time.