vulnerable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vulnerable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is open to harm, criticism, or emotional exposure. Example: "The child felt vulnerable after moving to a new school and not knowing anyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They have attacked the most vulnerable in society, slashed the budget for public services and undermined the credibility of these institutions.

The Guardian

Lee had learning difficulties and was vulnerable.

The Guardian

Cheesy Name A GCHQ program that selects encryption keys that might be vulnerable to being cracked.

The Guardian

But Cooper said that the government has only accepted 140 Syrian refugees via the UN high commissioner for refugees (UNHCR) which has identified the most vulnerable.

The Guardian

"What the government's decision today means is that a group of vulnerable men, women and children will not be sent back to their persecutors in Sri Lanka and I want to take a moment to thank the minister and the prime minister for showing some compassion to these people," said George Newhouse, a lawyer who brought the case.

The Guardian

He may be more vulnerable if the DUP has a bad general election and loses a seat to the hardline Traditional Unionist Voice.

The Guardian

"They told him: 'We have a programme for vulnerable women, but not men.'" It reminds me of a scene described by Eunice Owiny: "There is a married couple," she said.

The Guardian

"Part of the activism around women's rights is: 'Let's prove that women are as good as men.' But the other side is you should look at the fact that men can be weak and vulnerable".

The Guardian

Or is it the other way around: that the kind of people who make it to the top of this game are the kind of intense, driven individuals whose very self-obsession makes them more vulnerable to mental illness?

The Guardian - Sport

"He will be remembered as a great teacher and friend and stalwart leader in giving a voice to the most vulnerable in our society," DeWine said.

The Guardian

The women in question were vulnerable in the sense that they were exposed to the inherent risks of their occupation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a group as "vulnerable", specify the reasons for their vulnerability to provide context and avoid generalizations. For example, instead of saying "Vulnerable populations need assistance", say "Low-income families are particularly "vulnerable" to economic downturns due to limited savings".

Common error

Avoid using "vulnerable" to describe situations where risk is minimal or easily mitigated. Overusing the term can dilute its impact and may be perceived as exaggerating the severity of a situation. Instead, opt for more precise descriptors when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "vulnerable" primarily functions to describe a state of being susceptible to physical or emotional harm, attack, or damage. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates a lack of protection or defense against potential threats, be they external or internal. This is evident in the Ludwig examples that highlight the vulnerability of individuals, systems, or even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vulnerable" is a very common adjective used to describe a state of being susceptible to harm, whether physical, emotional, or digital. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English, highlighting its prevalence across diverse contexts such as News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. When using "vulnerable", it's crucial to specify the reasons for someone's or something's vulnerability to provide context and clarity. While alternatives like "susceptible" or "defenseless" exist, "vulnerable" effectively conveys a sense of risk and the need for protection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

susceptible

Indicates a tendency to be affected by something, emphasizing a predisposition rather than a current state.

defenseless

Highlights the lack of protection or means to resist an attack.

exposed

Focuses on the lack of cover or shielding from potential threats or dangers.

unprotected

Emphasizes the absence of any form of safeguarding or defense mechanisms.

at risk

Implies a potential danger or negative outcome, often in a more general sense.

helpless

Stresses an inability to help oneself or to prevent harm from occurring.

weak

Focuses on a lack of strength or resilience, either physically or metaphorically.

unguarded

Suggests a lack of vigilance or caution, making one open to surprise attacks or exploitation.

powerless

Highlights the lack of control or influence to prevent negative outcomes.

fragile

Emphasizes the delicate nature of something, making it easily damaged or broken.

FAQs

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

You can use "vulnerable" to describe someone or something that is open to harm, criticism, or emotional exposure. For instance, "The child felt "vulnerable" after moving to a new school" or "The old operating system is "vulnerable" to cyberattacks".

What can I say instead of "vulnerable"?

You can use alternatives like "susceptible", "defenseless", or "exposed" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "vulnerable to" or "vulnerable from"?

"Vulnerable to" is the correct and more common usage when indicating what someone or something is susceptible to. "Vulnerable from" is rarely used and generally incorrect.

What's the difference between "vulnerable" and "fragile"?

"Vulnerable" implies a susceptibility to harm or attack, whereas "fragile" describes something easily broken or damaged. Something can be "fragile" without being "vulnerable", and vice versa.