vulnerable populations

USAGE SUMMARY

"vulnerable populations" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to any group of people who are particularly vulnerable, due to factors such as their age, infirmity, poverty, or other disadvantages. For example, "Organizations need to consider how their decisions will affect vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and disabled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And these are the most vulnerable populations in the world.

The New Yorker

"They are one of the most vulnerable populations in Afghanistan".

The New York Times

Beatriz Guerrero Urban planning and health equity for vulnerable populations.

University of California, Berkeley

I examine policies that impact demographically and economically vulnerable populations.

Cornell University

Future research should test the intervention in other vulnerable populations.

Social Science & Medicine

This increase results from a combination of extreme events and the exposure of vulnerable populations.

Journal of Hydrology

There is less of a sense of solidarity, especially with vulnerable populations".

The New Yorker

We work in 120 villages including Bishrampur to reduce bonded labour among highly vulnerable populations.

The Guardian

Government officials called on residents to look out for neighbors, the elderly and vulnerable populations.

The Guardian

We must not dismiss the role of ecosystems in protecting vulnerable populations.

The New York Times

Volusia County is an agricultural area, comprised of several highly vulnerable populations.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "vulnerable populations", be specific about which populations you are referring to (e.g., "elderly", "children", "low-income families") to ensure clarity and avoid generalizations.

Common error

Avoid using "vulnerable populations" as a blanket term. Always specify which groups are vulnerable and the specific factors that make them so. For example, instead of saying "the project aims to help vulnerable populations", specify "the project aims to support low-income families and refugees affected by the economic crisis".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vulnerable populations" functions as a noun phrase typically used as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies specific groups of people who are at a higher risk of harm or negative outcomes. As shown by Ludwig, this is a common way to describe groups in need of protection or assistance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

26%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vulnerable populations" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase to refer to groups at a higher risk of harm or negative outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread acceptance. Its primary function is to raise awareness and advocate for the needs of these at-risk groups, commonly appearing in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While generally neutral, specificity regarding the population is crucial to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives include "at-risk populations", "disadvantaged groups" and "marginalized communities", each carrying slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at-risk populations

Replaces 'vulnerable' with 'at-risk', emphasizing the potential for negative outcomes.

disadvantaged groups

Focuses on the systemic disadvantages faced by these populations.

marginalized communities

Highlights the social exclusion experienced by these groups.

underserved populations

Emphasizes the lack of adequate services and resources.

high-risk individuals

Shifts the focus to individual vulnerability rather than a broader group.

populations in need

A more general term indicating a requirement for assistance.

susceptible demographics

Uses 'susceptible' to emphasize the potential for harm and replaces 'populations' with 'demographics'.

fragile communities

Emphasizes the delicate state and potential for collapse of these communities.

weakened populations

Highlights a state of diminished strength or resilience.

unprotected groups

Focuses on the lack of protection and safeguarding measures.

FAQs

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

You can use "vulnerable populations" to refer to groups at higher risk of harm or negative outcomes. For example, "The policy aims to protect "vulnerable populations" such as children and the elderly from exploitation".

What are some alternatives to "vulnerable populations"?

Alternatives include "at-risk populations", "disadvantaged groups", or "marginalized communities" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "vulnerable population" instead of "vulnerable populations"?

While grammatically acceptable, "vulnerable population" is less common. "Vulnerable populations" is typically used to encompass various groups facing different vulnerabilities, whereas "vulnerable population" might refer to a specific group. For example, "the refugee population".

What factors make a population "vulnerable"?

Vulnerability can stem from various factors, including poverty, age, disability, lack of access to resources, social exclusion, and exposure to environmental hazards. All these factors may act as the reasons for a group to be considered a part of "vulnerable populations".