vulnerable to damage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'vulnerable to damage' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is easily damaged by certain conditions or conditions that it is exposed to. For example, "This type of paint is particularly vulnerable to damage from the sun."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

P. infestans infected tubers are particularly vulnerable to damage from soft rot.

Cornell University

"Some containment (process and structures) may be vulnerable to damage from a seismic event.

The Guardian

Soldiers who take the high ground are less vulnerable to damage.

The New York Times - Tech

As a result, they say, some valuable properties would be vulnerable to damage from industrial activity.

The New York Times

Once there is no (or not enough) free SO2 remaining, the wine is now vulnerable to damage.

Cornell University

Too much fall nitrogen leads to excess fall growth, leaving the small grains more vulnerable to damage over the winter.

Cornell University

Areas with mud-brick houses, which are especially vulnerable to damage from earthquakes, were completely ruined, a witness said.

The New York Times

That increase, in turn, is making coastlines more vulnerable to damage from the storm surges that can accompany powerful hurricanes.

The New York Times

Furthermore, the lungs are vulnerable to damage from lack of blood, and so transplantation must be performed expeditiously.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The study by researchers at Stanford and Carnegie Mellon was particularly significant because it determined that the two wheel areas were especially vulnerable to damage.

The New York Times

"Many historic headstones are made of marble or brownstone, which in the New York City environment and with acid rain are very vulnerable to damage".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts, clarify the specific type of "damage" being referred to (e.g., "vulnerable to reputational damage").

Common error

Avoid using "vulnerable to damage" with very general nouns (e.g., "things", "stuff"). Be specific about what is "vulnerable" to provide clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vulnerable to damage" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun by describing its susceptibility to being harmed or negatively affected. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which show it used to describe various nouns from physical objects to abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

47%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vulnerable to damage" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe susceptibility to harm. Ludwig confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While alternatives like "susceptible to harm" exist, "vulnerable to damage" effectively conveys the idea of potential harm due to weakness or exposure. When using this phrase, specificity is key, and you should clarify the nature of potential damage to ensure clarity and impact. It is important to note, this analysis aligns with Ludwig's assessment, solidifying the phrase's validity and versatility in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

susceptible to harm

Replaces "vulnerable" with "susceptible" and "damage" with "harm", maintaining similar meaning but with a slightly different connotation.

prone to injury

Focuses on physical harm, using "prone" instead of "vulnerable" and "injury" instead of "damage".

at risk of being harmed

Emphasizes the risk aspect and uses a more verbose construction.

exposed to potential harm

Highlights the exposure to danger, replacing "vulnerable" with "exposed" and "damage" with "harm".

easily harmed

Simplifies the phrase to its core meaning using "easily" and "harmed".

open to injury

Uses "open" to convey the susceptibility, focusing on physical injury.

defenseless against destruction

Highlights the lack of defense and uses the stronger word "destruction".

unprotected from harm

Focuses on the lack of protection and uses the general term "harm".

subject to deterioration

Shifts the focus to gradual decline or decay rather than sudden damage.

liable to be impaired

Implies a legal or formal responsibility for potential damage or impairment.

FAQs

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

You can use "vulnerable to damage" to describe something that is easily harmed or negatively affected. For example, "The old bridge is "vulnerable to damage" from heavy traffic".

What are some alternatives to saying "vulnerable to damage"?

Alternatives include "susceptible to harm", "prone to injury", or "at risk of being harmed", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "vulnerable to damage" or "susceptible to damage"?

Both "vulnerable to damage" and "susceptible to damage" are correct and very similar in meaning. "Vulnerable" often implies a weakness, while "susceptible" suggests a predisposition. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What makes something "vulnerable to damage"?

Something can be "vulnerable to damage" due to inherent weaknesses, lack of protection, or exposure to harmful elements. For instance, a coastline might be "vulnerable to damage" from rising sea levels.