Synonyms of vulnerable

vulnerable

adjective

ˈvəl-n(ə-)rə-bəl 

1

as in susceptible

being in a situation where one is likely to meet with harm

I'm vulnerable to sunburn whenever I go out in the sun

Synonyms & Similar Words

• susceptible
• sensitive
• exposed
• prone
• endangered
• liable
• subject (to)
• in jeopardy
• open
• in deep water
• at risk
• unprotected
• likely
• unsecured
• unguarded
• undefended
• uncovered
• unscreened

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• invulnerable
• unexposed
• protected
• sheltered
• covered
• unsusceptible
• secured
• shielded
• guarded
• insusceptible
• screened
• safeguarded
• warded

2

as in helpless

lacking protection from danger or resistance against attack

vulnerable baby chicks

Synonyms & Similar Words

• susceptible
• helpless
• unprotected
• exposed
• defenseless
• undefended
• unguarded
• unsafe
• unarmed
• unresistant
• weak
• passive
• untenable
• in the lurch
• overcome
• indefensible
• feeble
• uncovered
• abandoned
• preyed (on or upon)
• disarmed
• high and dry
• frail
• resistless
• marooned

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• resistant
• protected
• safe
• secure
• sheltered
• invulnerable
• covered
• armed
• defensible
• fortified
• immune
• strong
• armored
• shielded
• guarded
• screened
• invincible
• impenetrable
• impregnable
• omnipotent
• unassailable
• unconquerable
• unbeatable
• almighty

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of vulnerable

Based on the first novella in Martha Wells’ book series, Murderbot is a sci-fi thriller/comedy about a self-hacking security construct who is horrified by human emotion yet drawn to its vulnerable clients, played by Skarsgård. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026

Look at what happened when mobile sports betting went live in Maryland in 2022, a shift that unleashed an immediate public health crisis across vulnerable communities without a single dollar allocated to address the harms. — Brianne Doura-Schawohl, Baltimore Sun, 19 Aug. 2026

Lithium processing is currently heavily concentrated in China, leaving countries vulnerable to supply shocks. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 19 Aug. 2026

Households deemed the poorest and most vulnerable could receive up to $2,980 in the winter of 2019-20. — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 19 Aug. 2026

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