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vulnerable

adjective
vul·​ner·​a·​ble | \ ˈvəl-n(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce vulnerable (audio) , 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
Other Words from vulnerable Synonyms & Antonyms The History of Vulnerable More Example Sentences Learn More about vulnerable

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Other Words from vulnerable

vulnerability \ ˌvəl-​n(ə-​)rə-​ˈbi-​lə-​tē How to pronounce vulnerability (audio) \ noun
vulnerableness \ ˈvəl-​n(ə-​)rə-​bəl-​nəs How to pronounce vulnerableness (audio) , ˈvəl-​nər-​bəl-​ \ noun
vulnerably \ ˈvəl-​n(ə-​)rə-​blē How to pronounce vulnerably (audio) , ˈvəl-​nər-​blē \ adverb

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."

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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Your eyes are covered by mucous membranes that could theoretically leave you vulnerable to STIs because many bacteria and viruses in bodily fluids can pass through this fragile tissue, Dr. Berglund explains. — Kasandra Brabaw, SELF, "So, You Got Semen in Your Eye. Here's What to Do," 1 Mar. 2019 Successive governments have failed to wean the country off an oil dependency that leaves it vulnerable to fluctuating global prices and doesn’t generate significant employment. — Sune Engel Rasmussen, WSJ, "As Iran Marks Its Anniversary, Economic Woes Cloud a Pitch for Unity," 10 Feb. 2019 In the wake of Trump’s election, showing solidarity and support for populations left most vulnerable by his presidency is crucial in enacting large-scale social change. — C Mandler, Seventeen, "Please Stop Wearing Those Pussy Hats To Women's Marches," 18 Jan. 2019 At that time, a year before the draft lottery was instituted, local boards had to meet quotas and called men for service, leaving those without deferments or exemptions vulnerable. — Steve Eder, The Seattle Times, "Did a Queens podiatrist help Donald Trump avoid Vietnam?," 26 Dec. 2018 Smart devices are watching children too — and collecting their data Smart toys have already garnered plenty of criticism for leaving children’s data like location vulnerable. — Chavie Lieber, Vox, "Big tech has your kid’s data — and you probably gave it to them," 5 Dec. 2018 These toxins suppress the whales' immune systems, leaving them vulnerable to disease, and can affect the females' ability to reproduce. — Meilan Solly, Smithsonian, "Pacific Northwest Orca Population Hits 30-Year-Low," 10 July 2018 Despite the limited chances, the game was tense as both sides seemed conscious of leaving themselves vulnerable to the counter. — SI.com, "Sweden 0-2 England: Football Takes Huge Step Closer to Home as Three Lions Dominate Against Swedes," 7 July 2018 With a preposterous level of futility in the early innings, the Padres left themselves vulnerable to a comeback. — Kevin Acee, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Padres get around to scoring, then Richard falters in loss to A's," 4 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vulnerable.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of vulnerable

circa 1616, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for vulnerable

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

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Dictionary Entries near vulnerable

vulgate

vulgus

vulned

vulnerable

vulnerary

vulpecidal

vulpecide

Statistics for vulnerable

Last Updated

16 Mar 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for vulnerable

The first known use of vulnerable was circa 1616

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More Definitions for vulnerable

vulnerable

adjective
How to pronounce vulnerable (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of vulnerable

: easily hurt or harmed physically, mentally, or emotionally
: open to attack, harm, or damage

See the full definition for vulnerable in the English Language Learners Dictionary

vulnerable

adjective
vul·​ner·​a·​ble | \ ˈvəl-nə-rə-bəl How to pronounce vulnerable (audio) \

Kids Definition of vulnerable

1 : capable of being easily hurt or injured The patient is vulnerable to infection.
2 : open to attack or damage The troops were in a vulnerable position.

vulnerable

adjective
vul·​ner·​a·​ble | \ ˈvəln-(ə-)rə-bəl, ˈvəl-nər-bəl How to pronounce vulnerable (audio) \

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

Other Words from vulnerable

vulnerability \ ˌvəln-​(ə-​)rə-​ˈbil-​ət-​ē How to pronounce vulnerability (audio) \ noun, plural -ties

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More from Merriam-Webster on vulnerable

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for vulnerable

Spanish Central: Translation of vulnerable

Nglish: Translation of vulnerable for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of vulnerable for Arabic Speakers

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