Vulnerable

/ˈvʌln(ə)ɹəbl̩/ · adjective

Meaning

More or most likely to be exposed to the chance of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally..

Definitions by Sense

1. More or most likely to be exposed to the chance of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally.
2. (computing) More likely to be exposed to malicious programs or viruses.
3. (of a language or species) at moderate risk of extinction though not quite endangered.

Example Sentences

You are vulnerable to be bullied by someone at school.

In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I’ve been turning over in my mind ever since. ‘Whenever you feel like criticizing any one,’ he told me, ‘just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.’

The elimination of [Roger] Federer after [Rafael] Nadal's loss to Lukas Rosol would have created mild panic among the fans of these gloriously gifted but now clearly vulnerable geniuses.

One particularly damaging, but often ignored, effect of conflict on education is the proliferation of attacks on schools[…]as children, teachers or school buildings become the targets of attacks. Parents fear sending their children to school. Girls are particularly vulnerable to sexual violence.

a vulnerable PC with no antivirus software

Welsh is merely a vulnerable language, but Irish and Scottish Gaelic are definitely endangered.

Synonyms for vulnerable

Antonyms for vulnerable

Related Words

Word Forms

• more vulnerable
• most vulnerable

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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