vulnerable

vul·ner·a·ble

adjective \ˈvəl-n(ə-)rə-bəl, ˈvəl-nər-bəl\

Definition of VULNERABLE

1

: capable of being physically or emotionally wounded

2

: open to attack or damage : assailable <vulnerable to criticism>

3

: liable to increased penalties but entitled to increased bonuses after winning a game in contract bridge

— vul·ner·a·bil·i·ty \ˌvəl-n(ə-)rə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— vul·ner·a·ble·ness \ˈvəl-n(ə-)rə-bəl-nəs, ˈvəl-nər-bəl-\ noun

— vul·ner·a·bly \-blē\ adverb

Examples of VULNERABLE

1. He was very vulnerable after his divorce.
2. The troops were in a vulnerable position.
3. The fort was undefended and vulnerable.

Origin of VULNERABLE

Late Latin vulnerabilis, from Latin vulnerare to wound, from vulner-, vulnus wound; probably akin to Latin vellere to pluck, Greek oulē wound

First Known Use: 1605

Related to VULNERABLE

Synonyms

endangered, exposed, open, sensitive, subject (to), susceptible, liable

Antonyms

insusceptible, invulnerable, unexposed, unsusceptible

Related Words

likely, prone; uncovered, undefended, unguarded, unprotected, unscreened, unsecured

Near Antonyms

covered, guarded, protected, safeguarded, screened, secured, sheltered, shielded, warded

vul·ner·a·ble

adjective \ˈvəln-(ə-)rə-bəl, ˈvəl-nər-bəl\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of VULNERABLE

: capable of being hurt : susceptible to injury or disease <the liver is itself vulnerable to nutritional impairment—Journal of the American Medical Association>

—vul·ner·a·bil·i·ty \ˌvəln-(ə-)rə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ (audio pronunciation) noun, plural ; vul·ner·a·bil·i·ties