vulnerable situation

USAGE SUMMARY

"vulnerable situation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation that could easily have a negative outcome because of a lack of protection or resources. For example: "The family's financial situation left them in a vulnerable state, so they had to take extreme measures to survive."

✓ Grammatically correct

Unicef

The New York Times - Health

The New York Times

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Within HIC, the 'invisible' children refer also to children acknowledged as being in a vulnerable situation, but with 'invisible' vulnerabilities (also identified through fieldwork activities).

Unicef

"It's a real vulnerable situation for abuse".

The New York Times - Health

"He obviously was in a very vulnerable situation.

The New York Times

Food-deficit countries are still in a highly vulnerable situation.

The Guardian

It was hard to conjure a more vulnerable situation.

The New Yorker

As for Cadbury, it has delivered value for shareholders in an increasingly vulnerable situation.

The New York Times

"The current Afghan government is in a very vulnerable situation both economically and politically.

The Guardian

"The short answer is this leaves people in limbo in a very vulnerable situation.

The Guardian

It is a vulnerable situation to be in in so many ways.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The guys are in a vulnerable situation, talking about trauma they have experienced," she said.

The New Yorker

This isn't a great combination with sea level rises and means that we are in a vulnerable situation".

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "vulnerable situation", clearly identify the factors contributing to the vulnerability to provide a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "vulnerable situation" as a catch-all phrase. Instead, specify the nature of the vulnerability and who or what is at risk. For example, instead of saying "the company is in a vulnerable situation", specify "the company is vulnerable to market fluctuations due to its reliance on a single product line".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vulnerable situation" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "vulnerable" modifies the noun "situation". It describes a state or set of circumstances characterized by a higher-than-normal susceptibility to harm, risk, or negative outcomes. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage is correct and widespread.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vulnerable situation" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe circumstances where individuals or entities are at increased risk. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely used and understood. Its prevalence across diverse sources, particularly in news, science and formal business contexts, underscores its relevance in contemporary discourse. When using "vulnerable situation", clarity is paramount: specify the factors contributing to the vulnerability to avoid vagueness and ensure a comprehensive understanding of the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precarious position

Highlights the instability and potential for sudden adverse changes in one's condition.

risky circumstances

Focuses on the presence of identifiable risks and potential negative outcomes.

exposed state

Emphasizes the lack of protection and susceptibility to harm or danger.

defenseless condition

Draws attention to the absence of means to resist or protect oneself.

unsafe environment

Points out external hazards that could lead to damage or injury.

fragile state

Implies delicate condition easily disrupted.

sensitive context

Describes situations requiring careful handling to avoid negative impact.

unprotected setting

Highlights the lack of safeguards or barriers.

insecure footing

Refers to a lack of stability or certainty, often metaphorically.

compromised position

Suggests that one's ability to act effectively is weakened.

FAQs

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

Use "vulnerable situation" to describe contexts where individuals, groups, or entities are at increased risk of harm or negative outcomes. For instance, "Children without parental care are often in a "vulnerable situation" due to their dependence and lack of protection".

What are some alternatives to "vulnerable situation"?

Alternatives include phrases like "precarious position", "risky circumstances", or "exposed state", depending on the specific context you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say someone is "in a vulnerable situation"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used to indicate that someone or something is susceptible to harm, exploitation, or other negative outcomes. For example: "Refugees are often in a "vulnerable situation" when they first arrive in a new country".

What makes a situation "vulnerable"?

A situation is considered "vulnerable" when there are factors that increase the likelihood of negative outcomes, such as lack of resources, inadequate protection, social isolation, or exposure to specific threats.