vulnerable position

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "vulnerable position" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation or scenario in which someone is at risk or susceptible to harm or attack. Example: The company's recent financial struggles have left them in a vulnerable position, making them an easy target for a hostile takeover by their competitors.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

"They're in a very vulnerable position".

The New York Times

It puts you in a very vulnerable position.

The Guardian - Arts

So the industry was in a very vulnerable position".

The New York Times

It puts individuals in a very vulnerable position.

The Guardian - Opinion

I am still in a very vulnerable position.

The Guardian

"No3 is obviously a vulnerable position for anyone," said Grayson.

The Guardian - Sport

This leaves taxi riders in an uncomfortably vulnerable position.

The Guardian - Opinion

This locates the Nation in a vulnerable position.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

I mean, how can you off someone when they are in a vulnerable position?

Vice

Of his roles, he said: "Your goal is to put yourself into vulnerable position.

The Guardian

"And, as Harry said, you're putting yourself in quite a vulnerable position by doing that.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "vulnerable position", clearly specify what makes the position vulnerable and what potential threats exist. This provides context and strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "vulnerable position" without providing specifics. Saying someone is in a "vulnerable position" is vague. Explain why they are vulnerable to add clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vulnerable position" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. As seen from the examples provided by Ludwig, it describes a state or condition of being susceptible to harm or attack.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vulnerable position" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a state of susceptibility or risk. Ludwig AI identifies its widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and business domains. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to provide specific details about the nature of the vulnerability and the potential threats involved to ensure clarity and impact. Consider alternatives like "precarious situation" or "exposed state" for nuanced expression. By avoiding vague generalizations and focusing on concrete details, you can effectively convey the sense of risk associated with a "vulnerable position".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precarious situation

Replaces 'position' with 'situation', emphasizing the instability.

risky predicament

Focuses on the inherent risk of the situation.

exposed state

Focuses on the lack of protection, changing 'vulnerable' to 'exposed' and 'position' to 'state'.

exposed to danger

Directly states the presence of threat.

weak spot

Metaphorically describes vulnerability as a physical weakness.

sensitive spot

Highlights the delicacy and potential for harm.

defenseless posture

Highlights the lack of defense, using 'posture' instead of 'position'.

compromising circumstance

Indicates a situation that could damage one's reputation or safety.

untenable stance

Emphasizes the difficulty of maintaining the current state.

unprotected flank

Uses military terminology to describe vulnerability.

FAQs

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

Use "vulnerable position" to describe a state of being exposed to potential harm or risk. For instance, "The company's financial instability put it in a "vulnerable position" regarding potential takeover attempts."

What are some alternatives to "vulnerable position"?

Alternatives include "precarious situation", "exposed state", or "risky predicament". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very vulnerable position"?

While not strictly redundant, "very vulnerable position" can often be streamlined. Consider using a stronger synonym for "vulnerable" or providing more specific details about the situation to emphasize the degree of vulnerability.

What's the difference between "vulnerable position" and "weak position"?

While similar, "vulnerable position" emphasizes exposure to external threats or risks, while "weak position" highlights internal deficiencies or lack of strength. A team with many injuries, for example, may be in a "weak position".