adj

vulnerable

VUHLN-ruhbl

adj

Likely to be harmed, attacked, or hurt, physically or emotionally.

"Newborns are especially vulnerable to infection."

"Sharing his fears made him feel vulnerable in front of the group."

Open to attack from malicious software or hackers.

"Outdated software leaves the network vulnerable to attacks."

At moderate risk of extinction, in conservation terminology.

"The species was reclassified from "vulnerable" to "endangered" after its numbers dropped further."

How to Use Vulnerable

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishExposed to harm — able to be hurt, attacked, or affected easily.

Common pairings

vulnerable population emotionally vulnerable vulnerable to attack

more vulnerable comparative, most vulnerable superlative

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Can you complete this real example?

Newborns are especially _____ to infection.

From Late Latin vulnerabilis, "wounding," from Latin vulnero, "to wound."

defenceless helpless powerless unguarded unprotected weak woundable

durable indomitable invincible invulnerable powerful strong

safe light beautiful loud strong weak powerful mild

able fable cable table sable gable viable liable stable unable usable enable

defenceless helpless powerless unguarded unprotected weak woundable durable indomitable invincible invulnerable powerful