vulnerable child

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vulnerable child" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a child who is at risk or in a situation that makes them susceptible to harm or neglect. Example: "The organization focuses on providing support and resources for vulnerable children in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And that matters, because placing a vulnerable child into a family transfers the vulnerability from the individual youngster to the family itself.

Independent

When the vulnerable child goes missing, the true terror begins.

The Guardian - Film

There's a theoretical disjunction between what Downing Street policy-makers conceptualise as the vulnerable child and what is the reality of the vulnerable child at street level.

The Guardian - Music

It wasn't a small vulnerable child he saw floundering in the water.

The Guardian - Opinion

Such beliefs can ignite fear in a community and inflict terror on an already vulnerable child.

The Guardian

How was this environment deemed suitable for the care of a vulnerable child?

The Guardian - Opinion

"There is no question of money being a factor in deciding how a vulnerable child is cared for.

Independent

A foster carer with no previous convictions who was caring for a vulnerable child when he was arrested.

The Guardian

You don't need to be a psychotherapist to imagine what that might do to a distressed and vulnerable child.

The Guardian - Opinion

One also said the images, in conjunction with the brand name, implied they showed a vulnerable child.

The Guardian

This demonstrates how decisions are often made with finance in mind, instead of the needs of a vulnerable child.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about children, use the phrase "vulnerable child" to accurately depict any situations that could leave them at risk or in danger. Be specific about what makes the child vulnerable to give the audience a clear understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "vulnerable child" as a blanket term. Instead, specify the source or nature of the vulnerability, such as "vulnerable child due to poverty" or "vulnerable child due to neglect" to provide greater context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vulnerable child" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "vulnerable" modifies the noun "child". It is used to identify a child who is in a position of weakness and susceptibility to harm. Ludwig AI provides many examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "vulnerable child" is widely used and grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves to identify children at risk, calling attention to their need for protection and support. Common contexts include news, science, and formal documents, reflecting a neutral to formal register. While alternatives like "at-risk child" and "disadvantaged child" exist, "vulnerable child" remains a versatile descriptor. Remember to specify the source of vulnerability whenever possible to provide clarity and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

child at risk

A more concise way of saying "vulnerable child" placing emphasis on the potential danger.

at-risk youth

This alternative focuses on older children and emphasizes the potential for negative outcomes.

child in need of protection

This phrase highlights the legal and social services aspect of the child's situation.

disadvantaged child

This term focuses on the child's lack of opportunities and resources.

child in a difficult situation

This alternative is a general way to describe a child facing hardships.

child in precarious circumstances

Highlights the unstable and uncertain nature of the child's situation.

child facing adversity

Emphasizes the challenges and hardships the child is experiencing.

child living in hardship

Highlights the difficult living conditions the child faces.

child with special needs

This phrase points out the child requires specific attention and care.

child exposed to risk factors

This alternative focuses on risk factors of the child.

FAQs

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

The phrase "vulnerable child" is typically used to describe a child who is at risk of harm or exploitation. For example, "The program aims to protect the "vulnerable child" from abuse and neglect".

What are some alternatives to saying "vulnerable child"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "at-risk child", "disadvantaged child", or "child in need of protection".

What makes a child 'vulnerable'?

Vulnerability in a child can stem from various factors, including poverty, neglect, abuse, disability, displacement, or lack of access to essential services like healthcare and education. These factors increase the child's risk of harm and hinder their development.

Is there a difference between "vulnerable child" and "at-risk child"?

While both terms are similar, "at-risk child" often implies a higher probability of experiencing negative outcomes like delinquency or substance abuse, especially as the child gets older. "Vulnerable child" is a broader term encompassing any situation where the child's well-being is compromised.