vulnerable areas

USAGE SUMMARY

"vulnerable areas" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used to refer to places or populations that are at risk of danger, harm, or exploitation. For example: "Local authorities have said that more financial resources are needed to adequately protect vulnerable areas from the potential threat of floods and storms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Quantifying and mapping social vulnerability helps identify the most vulnerable areas and the baseline conditions for social vulnerability.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

Implementing early warning systems for extreme events, focussing on vulnerable areas, could reduce the vulnerability of coastal communities.

Global Health Action

They took field trips to the vulnerable areas in 2009.

The New York Times - Science

There are vulnerable areas all around the world".

The Guardian

Music, film and books are three particularly vulnerable areas.

The Guardian - Books

Agriculture is one of the most vulnerable areas.

The New York Times

"Action could be taken to evacuate the most vulnerable areas," added Rees.

The Guardian

One of the most vulnerable areas, in O'Higgins's view, could be social care.

The Guardian

Days before the typhoon struck, there were mass evacuations from vulnerable areas.

The New Yorker

Now, given the increasing number of homes in vulnerable areas, firefighting efforts have grown more urgent.

The New York Times

They say they want more control over their military to protect vulnerable areas from insurgent attacks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "vulnerable areas" in the context of environmental disasters, specify the type of vulnerability (e.g., to flooding, wildfires, or erosion) for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "vulnerable areas" without specifying the nature of the vulnerability. For example, instead of saying "The project aims to protect vulnerable areas", specify "The project aims to protect areas vulnerable to coastal erosion".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vulnerable areas" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective 'vulnerable' modifies the noun 'areas'. It identifies and categorizes specific locations or regions based on their susceptibility to harm or risk, as showcased in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vulnerable areas" is a commonly used and grammatically sound term that refers to locations or regions susceptible to harm, risk, or negative impact. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently across various domains, particularly in news, science, and formal business contexts. The term's versatility allows it to apply to environmental, social, and economic scenarios, making it crucial to specify the nature of vulnerability when using it. Related phrases like "at-risk locations" or "fragile regions" offer similar meanings, allowing for nuanced expression depending on the context. By avoiding overgeneralization and providing specific details, writers can effectively use "vulnerable areas" to communicate the need for protection or assistance in at-risk regions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at-risk locations

Focuses on the element of risk, implying potential danger or harm.

fragile regions

Emphasizes the delicacy and susceptibility to damage of the areas.

sensitive zones

Highlights the susceptibility to external influences or threats.

unprotected sites

Draws attention to the lack of defense or safeguarding measures.

exposed territories

Stresses the lack of cover or protection from external forces.

weakened sectors

Implies a diminished capacity to withstand challenges or threats.

threatened localities

Focuses on the presence of specific dangers or menaces.

compromised districts

Suggests that the areas have already been negatively affected or damaged.

susceptible spots

Highlights the areas' propensity to be affected by something negative.

endangered habitats

Specifically refers to natural environments at risk of destruction or harm.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "vulnerable areas"?

Alternatives include "at-risk locations", "fragile regions", and "sensitive zones", each emphasizing different aspects of the areas' susceptibility.

How does context affect the meaning of "vulnerable areas"?

The meaning shifts depending on the context. In environmental discussions, it might refer to ecologically sensitive regions. In social contexts, it often denotes areas with marginalized populations. Always clarify the specific vulnerability.

What are examples of "vulnerable areas" in the context of climate change?

Examples include low-lying coastal regions susceptible to sea-level rise, arid lands prone to desertification, and areas with infrastructure inadequate to withstand extreme weather events.

How can I identify "vulnerable areas" in my community?

Assess the areas for factors like poverty, environmental hazards, aging infrastructure, and lack of access to resources. Public data, community surveys, and expert consultations can aid in identification.