vulnerable to attack

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vulnerable to attack" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a situation in which someone or something is in danger of being attacked, either physically, financially, emotionally, etc. For example: "The city's IT system was particularly vulnerable to attack, so extra security measures were put in place immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Today the region remains vulnerable to attack.

The Economist

All three layers are vulnerable to attack.

Encyclopedia Britannica

America is vulnerable to attack.

The Telegraph

Our chemical plants are vulnerable to attack...

The New York Times

How were we so vulnerable to attack?

The New York Times

This makes them particularly vulnerable to attack.

MIT Technology Review

Petunias and tomatillos are also vulnerable to attack.

Cornell University

And Greece was far more vulnerable to attack than Italy.

The New Yorker

It is above ground, and thus more vulnerable to attack.

The Economist

Crops are vulnerable to attack, damage, and competition.

Encyclopedia Britannica

First, supply routes are often vulnerable to attack.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vulnerable to attack" to highlight a specific weakness that can be exploited. This will add clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid vague sentences like "The system is vulnerable to attack". Instead, be specific: "The system is vulnerable to brute-force attacks due to its weak password policy."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vulnerable to attack" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a state of susceptibility or risk. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in describing weaknesses or potential targets as illustrated by the many examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vulnerable to attack" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a state of susceptibility or risk. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While generally neutral in register, the phrase aims to highlight specific weaknesses or potential dangers. To enhance clarity, avoid overuse of the passive voice and be specific about the nature of the vulnerability. Alternatives like "susceptible to assault" or "exposed to danger" can be used depending on the specific context. Remember that the best practice is to specify what makes something "vulnerable to attack" for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Susceptible to assault

Replaces "vulnerable" with "susceptible" and "attack" with "assault", emphasizing physical harm.

Open to aggression

Uses "open" instead of "vulnerable" and "aggression" instead of "attack", suggesting a lack of defense.

Exposed to danger

Substitutes "vulnerable" with "exposed" and "attack" with "danger", broadening the scope of the threat.

At risk of being targeted

Rephrases the vulnerability in terms of being a target, highlighting intentionality.

Defenseless against strikes

Focuses on the lack of defense against physical strikes or attacks.

Unprotected from assaults

Highlights the absence of protection against assaults, emphasizing physical or verbal attacks.

Liable to invasion

Implies a potential for intrusion or takeover, whether physical or metaphorical.

In danger of offensive actions

Replaces "attack" with "offensive actions", suggesting a more proactive threat.

Unsafe from hostility

Emphasizes the lack of safety and presence of hostility or antagonism.

Subject to harm

Uses "subject" instead of "vulnerable" and "harm" instead of "attack", creating a more general sense of potential damage.

FAQs

How can I use "vulnerable to attack" in a sentence?

You can use "vulnerable to attack" to describe a weakness that can be exploited, such as "The software is "vulnerable to attack" due to a security flaw".

What's the difference between "vulnerable to attack" and "at risk"?

"Vulnerable to attack" implies a specific threat or exploit, while "at risk" is a more general term for potential danger. For example, a network might be "vulnerable to attack" from hackers but "at risk" from power outages.

Which is the correct phrase, "vulnerable to attack" or "vulnerable from attack"?

"Vulnerable to attack" is the correct and idiomatic phrase. "Vulnerable from attack" is not commonly used and may sound awkward.

What are some synonyms for "vulnerable to attack"?

Synonyms for "vulnerable to attack" include "susceptible to assault", "open to aggression", and "exposed to danger". Choose the synonym that best fits the context.