vulnerable

adjective

vul·ner·a·ble | \ 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

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

\ noun

vulnerableness \ ˈvəl-n(ə-)rə-bəl-nəs

, ˈvəl-nər-bəl- \ noun

vulnerably \ ˈvəl-n(ə-)rə-blē

, 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.

Recent Examples on the Web

Without giving too much away, their dynamic takes a sharp 180-degree turn in the season two premiere; Villanelle is now vulnerable and powerless. — Jill Gutowitz, Glamour, "Killing Eve Is Made for Women By Women, and It Shows," 8 Apr. 2019 Meghan is the royal patron of Smart Works, which supports vulnerable and unemployed women to return to work. — Amy Mackelden, Harper's BAZAAR, "Meghan Markle Just Stepped Out for a Secret Visit to Smart Works in London," 23 Mar. 2019 The realization sank into the heart of every one of us: America was vulnerable and under attack. — John Mccain, Popular Mechanics, "John McCain: The 9/11 Conspiracy Myths and the Truth Under Attack," 11 Sep. 2018 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 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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Last Updated

13 Apr 2019

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The first known use of vulnerable was circa 1616

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More Definitions for vulnerable

vulnerable

adjective

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

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

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