the vulnerable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the vulnerable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to individuals or groups who are at risk or in need of protection, often in contexts related to social issues, health, or safety. Example: "The organization focuses on providing support and resources for the vulnerable in our community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He exploited the vulnerable.

The Economist

The vulnerable are afraid.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Houthis deny indiscriminately killing the vulnerable.

Independent

3) Stop talking about the vulnerable.

Independent

"We, the vulnerable people, are the victims.

The New York Times

The vulnerable need protection from predatory lenders.

The Economist

They are the vulnerable ones.

The Guardian - Opinion

The disturbed and the vulnerable.

The New York Times - Magazine

The shortages are devastating and kill the vulnerable.

The Economist

Such an environment will exploit the vulnerable.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Kee preyed on the vulnerable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When addressing "the vulnerable", ensure your language is respectful and empowering, avoiding terms that may further stigmatize or disempower them. Focus on their strengths and potential for resilience.

Common error

Avoid using "the vulnerable" as a broad, catch-all term without specifying the particular vulnerabilities being addressed. This can lead to a lack of targeted support and ineffective solutions. For example, instead of saying "the vulnerable need help", specify "the vulnerable elderly in this community need access to healthcare and social support".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the vulnerable" functions as a noun phrase, where "vulnerable" is an adjective acting as a nominalized adjective. It refers to a group of people who are in a weakened or defenseless state, often requiring protection or assistance. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the vulnerable" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively identifies individuals or groups at risk. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used across a wide spectrum of contexts, including news, science, and formal communications, though it appears most often in news and media. When employing this phrase, it is crucial to provide specific details about the nature of their vulnerability and to use language that is both respectful and empowering.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

those in need of protection

Explicitly states their requirement for safeguarding.

those at risk

Focuses on the element of risk or danger faced by the group.

the needy

Emphasizes the lack of resources or support.

the disadvantaged

Highlights the unfair circumstances they face.

the marginalized

Stresses their exclusion from mainstream society.

the helpless

Focuses on their lack of ability to help themselves.

the defenseless

Highlights their lack of protection against harm.

the frail

Emphasizes physical or emotional weakness.

the underprivileged

Highlights their lack of opportunities and resources compared to others.

those susceptible

Highlights their greater likelihood of being affected by something negative.

FAQs

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

You can use "the vulnerable" to refer to people who are at risk or need protection. For example, "The government should provide more support for "the vulnerable" in society".

What are some alternatives to saying "the vulnerable"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "those at risk", "the needy", or "the disadvantaged".

Is it appropriate to use "the vulnerable" when discussing sensitive topics?

Yes, it is generally appropriate, but ensure your language remains respectful and avoids stigmatizing individuals. Context is key. It's helpful to be specific about who and what you are talking about, in addition to saying ""the vulnerable"".

How does "the vulnerable" differ from "the needy"?

"The vulnerable" emphasizes a state of being at risk or susceptible to harm, while ""the needy"" focuses on a lack of resources or support. The terms can overlap, but they highlight different aspects of a challenging situation.