vulnerable

adjective

vul·​ner·​a·​ble ˈvəl-n(ə-)rə-bəl 

ˈvəl-nər-bəl

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

vulnerability

ˌvəl-n(ə-)rə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

vulnerableness

ˈvəl-n(ə-)rə-bəl-nəs 

ˈvəl-nər-bəl-

noun

vulnerably

ˈvəl-n(ə-)rə-blē 

ˈvəl-nər-blē

adverb

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The History of Vulnerable

Vulnerable is ultimately derived from the Latin noun vulnus ("wound"). Vulnus led to the Latin verb vulnerare, meaning "to wound," and then to the Late Latin adjective vulnerabilis, which became vulnerable in English in the early 1600s. Vulnerable originally meant "capable of being physically wounded" or "having the power to wound" (the latter is now obsolete), but since the late 1600s, it has also been used figuratively to suggest a defenselessness against non-physical attacks. In other words, someone (or something) can be vulnerable to criticism or failure as well as to literal wounding. When it is used figuratively, vulnerable is often followed by the preposition to.

Synonyms

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

Examples of vulnerable in a Sentence

He was very vulnerable after his divorce.

The troops were in a vulnerable position.

The fort was undefended and vulnerable.

Recent Examples on the Web

David Ellison, who has earned standing in Hollywood as a successful movie producer, had planned to install his own leadership group at Paramount, which would have left Robbins, the movie studio chief, particularly vulnerable, the sources said. —Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2024

Another team of scientists has suggested that mind-bogglingly large swaths of insulating fabric could be draped on top of vulnerable glaciers to keep them cold. —Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 12 June 2024

By doing this, the president has managed to further penalize vulnerable individuals and families seeking protection and violated our laws. —Armando Garcia, ABC News, 12 June 2024

Here’s how, via Darrell Smith Of these 2 vulnerable Republicans in Central Valley districts, only 1 is firmly behind Trump, via Gillian Brassil California scholarship funds for middle class at risk in state budget battle. —Andrew Sheeler, Sacramento Bee, 10 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

circa 1616, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

vulnerable

adjective

vul·​ner·​a·​ble ˈvəln-(ə-)rə-bəl 

ˈvəl-nər-bəl

1

: capable of being physically or emotionally wounded

2

: open to attack or damage

a vulnerable position

vulnerability

ˌvəln-(ə-)rə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

Medical Definition

vulnerable

adjective

vul·​ner·​a·​ble ˈvəln-(ə-)rə-bəl, ˈvəl-nər-bəl 

: capable of being hurt : susceptible to injury or disease

the liver is itself vulnerable to nutritional impairment

—The Journal of the American Medical Association

vulnerability

ˌvəln-(ə-)rə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

plural vulnerabilities