susceptibility to

USAGE SUMMARY

'susceptibility to' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
For example: As a result of their higher exposure levels, workers in certain industries may have an increased susceptibility to certain illnesses.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Organs differ in their susceptibility to damage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nor does pregnancy increase susceptibility to parasites.

The New York Times

Depression can increase your susceptibility to pain.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Indeed, our susceptibility to petty irritations may be biologically encoded.

The Guardian - Opinion

Your tears proved your susceptibility to the suffering of others.

The New Yorker

But people have enhanced this natural susceptibility to fire.

The New York Times

The affluent new generation senses its own susceptibility to corruption.

The New York Times

She may have inherited her mother's susceptibility to evil.

The New York Times - Arts

Brady's one shortcoming seems to be a susceptibility to fumble.

The New York Times - Sports

"This mutation may just increase the susceptibility to seizures".

The New York Times - Health

Susceptibility to UV of anthrax spores is not known.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the impact of external factors, such as environmental conditions or lifestyle choices, use "susceptibility to" to highlight how these factors can increase vulnerability to certain conditions or diseases.

Common error

Avoid using "sensitivity to" when you mean "susceptibility to". "Sensitivity" implies a reaction or awareness, while "susceptibility" indicates a predisposition or vulnerability. For example, say "susceptibility to infection" rather than "sensitivity to infection" if you mean a higher risk of getting infected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "susceptibility to" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as a modifier, typically indicating a state or condition of being prone or vulnerable to something. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

26%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "susceptibility to" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to denote vulnerability or predisposition towards something. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it is acceptable in English. With a strong presence in scientific, news, and formal business contexts, the phrase serves to communicate potential risks and tendencies. While alternatives like "vulnerability to" and "proneness to" exist, it’s important to maintain clarity and precision in word choice to avoid ambiguity. The most common error is confusing it with "sensitivity to". Remember that "susceptibility to" indicates a higher risk of being affected by something, whereas "sensitivity to" implies a heightened reaction or awareness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vulnerability to

This phrase focuses on the state of being open to attack or harm, stressing weakness and lack of protection.

proneness to

This alternative emphasizes a natural inclination or tendency, highlighting the likelihood of experiencing something.

predisposition to

This suggests an inherent or genetic tendency, highlighting a higher likelihood due to internal factors.

sensitivity to

This implies a heightened awareness or responsiveness, often in the context of physical or emotional reactions.

receptivity to

Focuses on the capacity to receive or be affected by something, often implying a passive acceptance or sensitivity.

inclination towards

Suggests a leaning or tendency, highlighting a directional pull rather than a passive vulnerability.

openness to

This alternative emphasizes a willingness or receptiveness, suggesting a positive or neutral acceptance rather than a negative vulnerability.

exposure to

This phrase emphasizes being subjected to something, highlighting the external influence rather than an internal predisposition.

amenability to

Focuses on being easily persuaded or controlled, emphasizing compliance and willingness to agree.

liability to

This indicates a legal or financial responsibility, emphasizing potential negative consequences or obligations.

FAQs

How can I use "susceptibility to" in a sentence?

Use "susceptibility to" to describe a state of being easily affected or influenced by something. For instance, "Increased stress can lead to a higher susceptibility to illness".

What's the difference between "susceptibility to" and "sensitivity to"?

"Susceptibility to" indicates a predisposition or vulnerability, while "sensitivity to" refers to a heightened reaction or awareness. One implies risk, the other implies responsiveness.

What are some alternatives to "susceptibility to"?

You can use alternatives such as "vulnerability to", "proneness to", or "predisposition to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "susceptibility for" correct instead of "susceptibility to"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "susceptibility" is "to". "Susceptibility for" is not grammatically correct. Always use "susceptibility to".