vulnerable targets

USAGE SUMMARY

This phrase is correct and can be used in written English.
It is most often used to describe people or places that are more likely to be attacked, taken advantage of, or exploited. For example: As a large city, New York is full of vulnerable targets for terrorist attacks.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The new Iraqi security forces continue to be vulnerable targets for insurgents.

The New York Times

Muslims today are vulnerable targets for projections of Americans' unidentified anxieties.

The New York Times

A host of realities intertwine to make freshmen particularly vulnerable targets, including many outside anyone's control.

The Guardian

Bullying, intentional harm-doing or harassment that is directed toward vulnerable targets and typically repeated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Many of America's most vulnerable targets, such as chemical factories, are privately owned and guarded.

The Economist

This makes Christians in Lahore – the city's largest religious minority – the most vulnerable targets for radical Islamists.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet in the cyberworld, where the most vulnerable targets are civilian, there are no such rules or understandings.

The New York Times

Particularly vulnerable targets such as bridges, tunnels, government buildings and synagogues are peppered with checkpoints, metal detectors and more uniforms.

The Economist

Too often, Mahmood used subterfuge inappropriately against weak and vulnerable targets in order to reveal very little of genuine public benefit.

The Guardian

According to the study: **{:.break one} ** Their ability to attack convoys, other vulnerable targets and particular individuals has been the result of painstaking surveillance and reconnaissance.

The New Yorker

But this incident exposes a gaping hole in the security of our national aviation system, one of the most vulnerable targets for terrorists.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing security or strategic planning, clearly define which entities or areas constitute "vulnerable targets" to ensure appropriate protective measures are implemented.

Common error

Avoid using "vulnerable targets" without specifying the type of vulnerability or potential threat. Being specific about the nature of the vulnerability helps to focus risk assessment and mitigation efforts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vulnerable targets" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the subject complement. As Ludwig AI indicates, it identifies specific entities or areas that are susceptible to harm, attack, or exploitation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vulnerable targets" is a common noun phrase used to identify entities susceptible to harm or exploitation. As shown by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news and media, science and encyclopedias. Synonyms include "unprotected targets" and "defenseless targets". When using this phrase, ensure you specify the nature of the vulnerability. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, emphasizing its role in highlighting potential risks across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Unprotected targets

Focuses on the lack of protection rather than inherent vulnerability.

Defenseless targets

Emphasizes the inability to defend against attacks.

Helpless targets

Highlights the lack of agency and ability to resist.

Weak targets

Focuses on the reduced strength or power of the targets.

Susceptible targets

Indicates a predisposition to being affected negatively.

Exposed targets

Highlights the lack of cover or concealment.

At-risk targets

Emphasizes the potential for danger or harm.

Compromised targets

Implies that the target's security has already been breached.

Easy prey

Uses a more figurative term to describe the ease of targeting.

Sitting ducks

An idiomatic expression emphasizing complete lack of defense.

FAQs

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

You can use "vulnerable targets" to describe entities at high risk of attack or exploitation. For example, "The city's infrastructure represents "vulnerable targets" for cyberattacks".

What are some synonyms for "vulnerable targets"?

Alternatives include "unprotected targets", "defenseless targets", or "at-risk targets", each carrying slightly different connotations regarding the nature of the vulnerability.

What makes a target "vulnerable"?

A target is considered "vulnerable" when it lacks sufficient defenses or possesses inherent weaknesses that make it susceptible to threats, whether physical, cyber, or social.

In cybersecurity, what are some examples of "vulnerable targets"?

Examples of "vulnerable targets" in cybersecurity include unpatched software systems, networks with weak passwords, and organizations with inadequate security awareness training.