vulnerable to criticism

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vulnerable to criticism" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone or something that is open to being criticized or judged negatively. Example: "The new policy was vulnerable to criticism from various stakeholders who felt it lacked clarity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sandberg appears even more vulnerable to criticism.

The New York Times

It is also vulnerable to criticism because of its wider income inequality.

The Economist

Mr. Crist's leftward drift, however, has also made him vulnerable to criticism.

The New York Times

But Mr Brown's tinkering may be vulnerable to criticism when partisan politics returns.

The Economist

Such a document is always vulnerable to criticism from all sides.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even some supportive alumni say the pay issue has made Harvard vulnerable to criticism.

The New York Times

Sometimes ethical lapses and excessive egos in the profession have made it vulnerable to criticism.

The New York Times

Any misstep in either investigation made both cases, and the entire bureau, vulnerable to criticism.

The New York Times

On domestic policy, Mr. Graham has left himself vulnerable to criticism from within his party.

The New York Times

It is in this respect that Blair is most vulnerable to criticism.

The Guardian

But in the process, they must also remain open, even vulnerable, to criticism and feedback from below.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "vulnerable to criticism", clearly specify the area or aspect that is susceptible to negative evaluation to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "vulnerable to criticism" as a vague or unsubstantiated claim. Always provide specific reasons or evidence to support why something is susceptible to negative evaluation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vulnerable to criticism" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its susceptibility to negative evaluation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

16%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vulnerable to criticism" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression, as Ludwig AI confirms, indicating susceptibility to negative evaluation. Predominantly found in News & Media, it serves to highlight weaknesses or potential flaws in a subject. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to specify the area of vulnerability and avoid overgeneralizations. Alternatives like "open to critique" or "susceptible to disapproval" offer nuanced alternatives depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

open to critique

This alternative suggests a more formal or academic setting where evaluation is expected.

susceptible to disapproval

This phrase emphasizes the potential for negative judgment or lack of acceptance.

liable to be challenged

This alternative highlights the possibility of being questioned or opposed.

exposed to censure

This suggests a more formal and potentially severe form of criticism or condemnation.

at risk of reproach

This phrase implies a danger of facing blame or disapproval for perceived shortcomings.

defenseless against critique

This alternative highlights a lack of protection or justification against critical evaluation.

an easy target for disparagement

This suggests that the subject is particularly susceptible to negative or belittling comments.

subject to fault-finding

This indicates that someone is actively seeking out flaws or errors.

inviting negative feedback

This implies that the subject naturally elicits or encourages critical responses.

precarious under scrutiny

This suggests instability or weakness when examined closely.

FAQs

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

You can use "vulnerable to criticism" to describe something that is likely to be criticized. For example, "The politician's new policy is "vulnerable to criticism" because it lacks specific details."

What are some alternatives to "vulnerable to criticism"?

Alternatives to "vulnerable to criticism" include "open to critique", "susceptible to disapproval", or "liable to be challenged". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "vulnerable to criticism" or "open to criticism"?

Both "vulnerable to criticism" and "open to criticism" are correct. "Vulnerable" suggests a weakness or susceptibility, while "open" simply indicates accessibility to critique. The choice depends on the intended nuance.

What makes something "vulnerable to criticism"?

Something is "vulnerable to criticism" when it has identifiable weaknesses, flaws, or inconsistencies that can be easily targeted for negative evaluation. This could be due to a lack of evidence, poor execution, or controversial implications.