susceptible

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "susceptible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone or something that is likely to be influenced or harmed by certain external factors. For example, "Many children are susceptible to the negative effects of poor nutrition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Exercise stimulates the growth and repair of cells in the hippocampus, and induces a more positive mood, making you less susceptible to stress and reducing the amount of cortisol released.

The Guardian

However, that doesn't mean unintentional, unconscious antisemitism isn't possible – journalists working against time and under pressure to deliver a Tory victory are certainly susceptible to seizing on the meanest image they can find, without thinking through what it connotes.

The Guardian - Opinion

The right is just as susceptible to hair-trigger outrage, however – witness the brouhaha over what Emily Thornberry, the shadow attorney-general, did or didn't mean to say about working-class people when she tweeted a photograph of a flag-draped house.

The Guardian - Opinion

Antibiotics change the normal gut flora very quickly – wiping out the indigenous, harmless bacteria and leaving the patient susceptible to resistant bacteria such as Clostridium difficile.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One cable on terrorism warned: "Ecuador's judicial institutions remained weak, susceptible to corruption, and heavily backlogged with pending cases".

The Guardian

Harris suggests that APOBEC3H could be the target of future gene therapy, aimed at making susceptible populations more resistant to the virus.

The Guardian

"Those susceptible to addiction do not realise it until they are already too far into its clutches.

The Guardian

'I'm just as susceptible as anybody to the things that pull and tempt you,' Spacey says.

The Guardian - Film

You destroy hope, making young men more susceptible to recruitment by an organisation promising loot and status.

The Guardian - Opinion

Although he initially acknowledges that "it's not known precisely what caused the bleeding" that killed Ryder, in the crucial "sentencing factors" section, he becomes absolute, saying: "The deceased was susceptible to dire consequences from minor trauma by reason of a pre-existing aneurysm.

The Guardian

These low-lying areas are also susceptible to flooding.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a population's health, use "susceptible" to highlight their vulnerability to diseases or conditions. For instance: "Children are more susceptible to viral infections during the winter months."

Common error

Avoid using "sensitive" when you mean "susceptible". "Sensitive" implies a heightened awareness or reaction, whereas "susceptible" implies a vulnerability to being affected by something. "He is susceptible to criticism" (vulnerable), not "He is sensitive to criticism" (easily offended).

Linguistic Context

The adjective "susceptible" primarily functions to describe a state of being easily affected or influenced by something. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use in various contexts, illustrating its role in specifying vulnerability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "susceptible" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It denotes a state of being easily affected or influenced. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, its usage leans towards a neutral to formal register. To avoid common errors, remember that "susceptible" indicates vulnerability, not mere sensitivity. Consider alternatives like ""vulnerable"" or "prone to" to diversify your language and provide nuance. Use "susceptible" to highlight potential impacts and encourage caution, especially when discussing health or societal influences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vulnerable

Focuses more directly on the potential for harm or negative impact.

prone to

Emphasizes a tendency or likelihood of experiencing something.

open to

Highlights a receptiveness or lack of resistance to influence.

at risk of

Specifically indicates a danger or potential negative outcome.

liable to

Implies a legal or probable responsibility for something.

subject to

Suggests a condition of being under the power or control of something.

sensitive to

Indicates a heightened responsiveness or reaction to a stimulus.

receptive to

Emphasizes a willingness to accept or consider something.

inclined to

Suggests a natural preference or predisposition towards something.

easily affected by

Directly states the ease with which something can be influenced or changed.

FAQs

How can I use "susceptible" in a sentence?

You can use "susceptible" to describe someone or something that is easily affected, influenced, or harmed by something. For example: "The elderly are more "vulnerable" and therefore more susceptible to the flu."

What's a good alternative to "susceptible"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as ""vulnerable"", "prone to", or "at risk of" as alternatives to "susceptible".

What does it mean to be "susceptible" to something?

To be "susceptible" to something means you are likely to be affected by it, whether it's a disease, an influence, or a particular condition. It implies a lack of resistance or a predisposition.

Is there a difference between "susceptible" and "sensitive"?

"Susceptible" implies a vulnerability or likelihood of being affected by something, whereas "sensitive" indicates a heightened awareness or quick reaction to something. A person can be "susceptible" to colds but "sensitive" to bright light.