vulnerable ego

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vulnerable ego" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person's self-esteem or sense of self that is easily hurt or affected by criticism or challenges. Example: "His vulnerable ego made it difficult for him to accept constructive feedback from his peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It was as if I were looking at the vulnerable ego of a musician rather than a mere passing likeness.

The New York Times - Travel

To protect his vulnerable ego, he must destroy their credibility.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

We girls need to stick together.' " Adlington,, who is set to speak at a Dove debate on social media and self-esteem on Friday evening at Selfridges' department store in London, said social media allowed young people to express themselves, but it could also put added pressure on already vulnerable egos.

The Guardian

They carry bags, hand out food and drink, massage weary muscles and vulnerable egos, wash clothes, keep journos at bay and generally run around making themselves useful.

BBC

At stake is a company and jobs and the vulnerable male egos attached to them.

The New Yorker

People with NPD have a pathological need for admiration from others and lack empathy; they have rich fantasy lives and enormous senses of entitlement that belie fragile egos vulnerable to the slightest criticisms.

Vice

They are either a fitting way to honour those who made towering contributions to public life, or a Victorian throwback vulnerable to larger-than-life egos, shifts in attitudes and the hands of bad sculptors.

The Guardian - Arts

Lack of ego-strength leaves a client vulnerable to the attractions of the gay lifestyle".

Huffington Post

Our ego is feeling the fragility of being vulnerable.

Huffington Post

Even though I was always compliant in treatment, I had a big ego that would prevent me from being vulnerable in individual or group therapy sessions.

Huffington Post

Sometimes ethical lapses and excessive egos in the profession have made it vulnerable to criticism.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a "vulnerable ego", be specific about what makes it vulnerable, such as criticism, failure, or social pressure.

Common error

Avoid assuming everyone's ego is equally "vulnerable". Recognize that individuals have varying levels of self-esteem and resilience, and adjust your language accordingly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vulnerable ego" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "vulnerable" modifies "ego". It describes the state or condition of one's ego, indicating its susceptibility to external or internal threats. Ludwig AI confirms the usability of the phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vulnerable ego" describes a state of easily being hurt or affected self-esteem. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears in written English. It is most often encountered in news and media contexts. Alternatives like "fragile self-esteem" or "sensitive ego" can offer similar meanings with slight shifts in emphasis. When using this phrase, it's best to be specific about what makes the ego vulnerable and avoid overgeneralizing the level of vulnerability, as self-esteem varies among individuals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fragile self-esteem

Focuses on the fragility of one's self-regard.

easily bruised ego

Highlights how easily the ego can be hurt.

sensitive ego

Emphasizes the sensitivity and susceptibility to external factors.

delicate sense of self

Shifts the focus to the fragility of one's overall identity.

thin-skinned ego

Suggests a lack of resilience to criticism.

insecure self-image

Highlights the underlying insecurity that makes the ego vulnerable.

precarious ego

Implies an unstable and easily threatened ego.

susceptible ego

Focuses on the receptiveness to negative influences and feedback.

weakened ego

Indicates an ego that has been compromised or diminished.

impressionable ego

Highlights how easily the ego can be shaped and influenced by others.

FAQs

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

You can use "vulnerable ego" to describe someone whose self-esteem is easily hurt. For example: "His "vulnerable ego" made it difficult for him to accept constructive criticism."

What's a good alternative to "vulnerable ego"?

Consider using alternatives like "fragile self-esteem", "sensitive ego", or "easily bruised ego" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to have a "vulnerable ego"?

While a "vulnerable ego" can make someone more susceptible to hurt feelings, it can also foster empathy and self-awareness. It's not inherently negative, but understanding its impact is important.

How does a "vulnerable ego" affect behavior?

A "vulnerable ego" can lead to defensive behavior, a need for constant validation, or difficulty accepting feedback. It can also drive people to avoid situations where they might fail or be criticized.