vulnerability

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "vulnerability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed either physically or emotionally. For example, "The soldiers were particularly vulnerable to enemy fire during their mission."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Kenny was a hugely gifted comic actor, with a curious mixture of vulnerability and self-confidence.

The Guardian

Herrick returns not with lip-smacking vengeance but edgy vulnerability, rescued from the psych-ward and taking up residence as the mad vampire in the attic.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"In the course of that campaign we think there are a number of assertions about the management of the Great Barrier Reef and its vulnerability which are not grounded in fact and which need to be rebutted.

The Guardian

"The response since Charles died has been remarkable and I think one of the reasons is that people realised that, amid his confidence and his evident political skills, there was a real humanity and vulnerability to him," Campbell said.

The Guardian

It's taught me that there is strength in vulnerability, that life is a journey.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Many students I've spoken to say their experience of sexual harassment was no worse on their placement than anywhere else – but language barriers heightened feelings of vulnerability.

The Guardian

While recapturing the House of Representatives remains a distant dream, the vulnerability of Senate Democrats standing in Republican-leaning states this November means there is plenty of pressure on Obama to tone down his rhetoric: he will likely eschew anything that smacks of class warfare in favour of emphasising greater opportunity.

The Guardian

His vulnerability was shown early in the leadership campaign when, faced with a question from the supporter of a rival candidate on a television debate, he found himself promising to give up his beloved Jaguar.

The Guardian

"The one thing I'd want to take from his music, if I were able to drink it consciously into my own, is the tenderness and vulnerability.

The Guardian - Music

Increasing a smallholder's available land does not necessarily reduce their vulnerability.

The Guardian

When they came back with Patience, which began this style, they were genuinely uplifting because there was a note of humility and vulnerability – now twisted into the kind of thing to soundtrack the drive home from a successful afternoon at the SCS sale, they are among the most venal musicians in the UK.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts such as emotional states or systemic flaws, use "vulnerability" to precisely convey a state of being open to negative impact.

Common error

Avoid using "vulnerability" when a stronger term like "weakness" or "deficiency" more accurately reflects the severity of the situation. "Vulnerability" suggests potential harm, while other terms indicate existing problems.

Linguistic Context

The word "vulnerability" primarily functions as a noun, denoting a state of being susceptible to physical or emotional harm, attack, or damage. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly expresses a condition of being exposed. The examples on Ludwig illustrate diverse applications, from describing personal characteristics to systemic weaknesses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vulnerability" is a noun that describes the state of being susceptible to harm, attack, or damage. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and widely used. It serves to identify weaknesses in diverse contexts, from personal attributes to cybersecurity. It is most frequently found in news media, indicating its relevance in discussing contemporary issues. To avoid misuse, ensure that the context genuinely requires a focus on potential harm, rather than already existing issues. Using this word you can effectively inform risk assessment and strategic planning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

susceptibility to harm

Highlights the potential to be negatively affected or injured.

exposure to risk

Emphasizes the condition of being open to danger or negative consequences.

weakness

Focuses on the lack of strength or resilience, making something prone to failure or attack.

defenselessness

Underscores the absence of protection or means to resist harm.

fragility

Implies a delicate nature, easily damaged or broken.

openness to attack

Directly addresses the state of being easily targeted or assaulted.

lack of resilience

Indicates an inability to recover quickly from difficulties or setbacks.

state of being at risk

Presents the condition of facing potential danger or negative outcomes.

proneness to injury

Suggests a tendency or likelihood of experiencing physical or emotional harm.

liabilities

Focuses on weaknesses or disadvantages that make someone or something susceptible to problems.

FAQs

How is "vulnerability" used in a sentence?

The term "vulnerability" can be used to describe a state of being susceptible to harm or attack, as in "The system's "susceptibility" to cyberattacks was a major concern" or "His "fragility" made him more vulnerable to criticism".

What are synonyms for "vulnerability"?

Alternatives to "vulnerability" include "susceptibility", "exposure", "weakness", "fragility", and "defenselessness". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What does it mean to have "vulnerability" in cybersecurity?

In cybersecurity, "vulnerability" refers to a weakness or flaw in a system or network that can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access or cause harm. Addressing these vulnerabilities is crucial for maintaining security.

What is the difference between "vulnerability" and "risk"?

"Vulnerability" refers to a weakness that can be exploited, while "risk" is the potential for harm or loss resulting from that exploitation. Risk is a broader concept that encompasses both the vulnerability and the likelihood of it being exploited.