vulnerable to harm

USAGE SUMMARY

"vulnerable to harm" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is exposed to physical, psychological, or emotional harm. For example: "The children living in poverty are especially vulnerable to harm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

And women on the move are particularly vulnerable to harm.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is time for policymakers to finally listen – and put the perspectives of those most vulnerable to harm at the center of policies.

The Guardian - Opinion

And as Dr. Siegel put it, sleepers are less vulnerable to harm than they would be if they were out on the street late at night.

The New York Times - Health

In addition to setting voluntary G-force limits, the amusement park industry subcommittee is trying to determine which people are most vulnerable to harm from the forces on rides, so that parks can post better warnings, Mr. Elliott said.

The New York Times - Health

They worry that pitfalls lie ahead, including the possibility that an economic downturn and welfare time limits could leave more poor children vulnerable to harm, whether they stay with their parents or are placed in foster care.

The New York Times

For example, current or previous mental health problems could affect someone's response - and individuals going through personal, social or financial difficulties can be more vulnerable to harm.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Amphibians are regarded by many scientists as acting like "canaries in the coalmine" in the context of species extinctions, because their make-up and bodies render them more vulnerable to harms such as pollutants and small changes in climate, and losses to these species could herald further serious problems to come for bigger animals, while their niche in the food chain is also key.

The Guardian

They are vulnerable to harms and have no clear opportunity to benefit from the current generation's use of DDT.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

On the other hand, an older patient with a short life expectancy may not benefit from treatment and may be more vulnerable to harms from treatment, due to underlying health issues.

Clinical interventions in aging

33 35 Raising people's awareness of how their own heavy drinking may make them more vulnerable to harms from other drinkers could encourage behavioural change but is poorly explored as a public health intervention.

BMJ Open

What are their most vulnerable spots to harm?

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "vulnerable to harm", be specific about the type of harm being referred to (e.g., physical, emotional, financial) to provide clarity and context.

Common error

Avoid using "vulnerable to harm" without specifying the source or nature of the threat. For example, instead of saying "the community is vulnerable to harm", specify "the community is vulnerable to financial harm due to the economic downturn."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vulnerable to harm" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of susceptibility to negative consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vulnerable to harm" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a state of susceptibility to negative consequences, as verified by Ludwig AI. It functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a condition of weakness or exposure. While appropriate across various contexts, including news, science, and formal writing, specifying the type of harm and its source enhances clarity. Alternatives like "susceptible to injury" or "at risk of danger" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

susceptible to injury

Focuses specifically on the potential for physical damage or wounds.

at risk of danger

Emphasizes the potential for hazardous or threatening situations.

exposed to danger

Highlights the lack of protection from potential threats.

prone to damage

Suggests a natural tendency to be harmed or broken.

defenseless against injury

Underscores the lack of ability to protect oneself from physical harm.

liable to be hurt

Implies a high probability of experiencing emotional or physical pain.

unprotected from danger

Highlights the absence of safeguards or barriers against potential threats.

open to attack

Focuses on the possibility of being targeted for aggression or harm.

easy target for violence

Emphasizes the likelihood of being singled out for harmful acts.

susceptible to exploitation

Highlights the potential for being taken advantage of or mistreated.

FAQs

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

You can use "vulnerable to harm" to describe individuals, groups, or even systems that are susceptible to negative impacts. For example, "Children are especially vulnerable to harm in conflict zones".

What are some alternatives to "vulnerable to harm"?

Alternatives include "susceptible to injury", "at risk of danger", or "exposed to danger", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "at risk of harm" or "vulnerable to harm"?

"At risk of harm" and "vulnerable to harm" are often interchangeable, but "vulnerable to harm" emphasizes a pre-existing weakness or susceptibility, while "at risk of harm" highlights the presence of a specific threat or danger.

What kind of harm can someone be "vulnerable to"?

People can be vulnerable to various types of harm, including physical harm, emotional harm, financial harm, or psychological harm. The specific context determines the relevant type of harm.