susceptibility

noun

sus·​cep·​ti·​bil·​i·​ty sə-ˌsep-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

plural susceptibilities

1

: the quality or state of being susceptible

especially : lack of ability to resist some extraneous agent (such as a pathogen or drug) : sensitivity

2

a

: a susceptible temperament or constitution

b

susceptibilities plural : feelings, sensibilities

3

a

: the ratio of the magnetization in a substance to the corresponding magnetizing force

b

: the ratio of the electric polarization to the electric intensity in a polarized dielectric

Synonyms of susceptibility

• vulnerability
• sensitivity

Examples of susceptibility in a Sentence

A weak immune system causes increased susceptibility to disease.

his aunt's unfortunate susceptibility to viruses meant she was nearly always sick

Recent Examples on the Web

The Habit Of Self-Doubt While thin skin may indicate a susceptibility to external feedback, relentless self-doubt indicates a susceptibility to internal evaluation. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 17 Jan. 2026

Just pausing can reduce susceptibility to misinformation. —Jt Torres, The Conversation, 16 Jan. 2026

Vertical trackers, on the other hand, are ideal for this challenge, but their susceptibility to high wind loads requires massive, expensive foundations. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 15 Jan. 2026

If fall and winter precipitation are low, tree health can suffer, leading to poor growth, dieback, and increased susceptibility to pests and disease, says Ankit Singh, assistant professor and ornamental horticulture educator at the University of Maine Extension. —Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 12 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1644, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for susceptibility

• acceptability
• accessibility
• adaptability
• admissibility
• advisability
• affordability
• allowability
• amenability
• amiability
• appealability
• applicability
• availability

Kids Definition

susceptibility

noun

sus·​cep·​ti·​bil·​i·​ty sə-ˌsep-tə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

plural susceptibilities

1

: the quality or state of being susceptible

especially : lack of ability to resist some outside agent (as a disease-causing germ or drug)

2

a

: a susceptible disposition or nature

b

plural : one's emotional state : feelings

Medical Definition

susceptibility

noun

sus·​cep·​ti·​bil·​i·​ty sə-ˌsep-tə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

plural susceptibilities

1

: the quality or state of being susceptible : the state of being predisposed to, sensitive to, or of lacking the ability to resist something (as a pathogen, familial disease, or a drug) : sensitivity

2

a

: the ratio of the magnetization in a substance to the corresponding magnetizing force see paramagnetic

b

: the ratio of the electric polarization to the electric intensity in a polarized dielectric