1
as in susceptibility
the quality or state of having little resistance to some outside agent
vulnerability to infection
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in exposure
the state of being left without shelter or protection against something harmful
the vulnerability of the car to vandalism when it's parked on the street
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in helpless
lacking protection from danger or resistance against attack
vulnerable baby chicks
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of vulnerability
Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 16 May 2025
The 2024 report highlighted that about 5.7 million Floridians are vulnerable to extreme heat.
—Vivienne Serret, Miami Herald, 16 May 2025
Security experts agree that any backdoor access, even if hidden or controlled by a trusted entity, is vulnerable to hacking.
—Richard Forno, The Conversation, 16 May 2025
They are expected to receive $86 million more in the coming years — potentially leaving more than half of the state's uncapped wells more vulnerable to incidents like the current spill in Garden Island Bay.
—Dan Ruetenik, CBS News, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for vulnerability
Adjective
Everyone is vulnerable on the road to an unexpected event.
—Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 16 May 2025
The 2024 report highlighted that about 5.7 million Floridians are vulnerable to extreme heat.
—Vivienne Serret, Miami Herald, 16 May 2025
Security experts agree that any backdoor access, even if hidden or controlled by a trusted entity, is vulnerable to hacking.
—Richard Forno, The Conversation, 16 May 2025
They are expected to receive $86 million more in the coming years — potentially leaving more than half of the state's uncapped wells more vulnerable to incidents like the current spill in Garden Island Bay.
—Dan Ruetenik, CBS News, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for vulnerability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vulnerability
Noun
-
Expanding the bat toolbox: Carollia perspicillata bat cell lines and reagents enable the characterization of viral susceptibility and innate immune responses Avery Hurt is a freelance science journalist.—
Avery Hurt,
Discover Magazine,
17 May 2025
-
This project has involved regularly testing samples of N. gonorrhoeae obtained from STD clinics for their susceptibility to different antibiotics like cefixime, ceftriaxone, azithromycin and ciprofloxacin.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
12 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The report will offer a comprehensive look at how Americans have become sick from exposure to toxins in food, environment and pharmaceutical drugs.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
-
The broad strokes of the analysis reflect concerns that researchers in public health have raised for many years, particularly related to nutrition, lifestyle and exposure to pollution and other harmful chemicals in our food and environment.—
Will Stone,
NPR,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
What's more, the researchers found that the mice on the WD plan were also more susceptible to Salmonella infections.—
Michael Franco
May 11,
New Atlas,
11 May 2025
-
This depends on the material, but faux leather is usually less susceptible to damage from steam.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
10 May 2025
Adjective
-
His curveball induced one helpless swing from the Diamondbacks (26-23) after another.—
Jack Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
21 May 2025
-
Scheifele’s emotional and inspirational decision to play mere hours after his father’s unexpected death — to play for his dad, to play because of his dad — ended in cruel fashion, with Scheifele helpless in the penalty box.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
18 May 2025
Noun
-
With a newfound sense of self, Murderbot is forced to hide its disgust for human weakness and emotion.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
16 May 2025
-
Proton Mail encourages you to save a recovery key in the form of a lengthy code and a QR code, but that recovery key itself now becomes a weakness.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
14 May 2025
Adjective
-
Security clearance requirements limit the most sensitive jobs to U.S. citizens.—
Davis Winkie,
USA Today,
19 May 2025
-
This question asks for personal sensitive information that is protected by privacy laws.—
Ernesto Londoño,
New York Times,
18 May 2025
Adjective
-
Unintended access permissions or unprotected endpoints.—
Alexander Britkin,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
-
But there’s nothing to stop Miami from going to Charlotte and offering a 2032 unprotected first-rounder, plus cash, a second-rounder, a player (Jaime Jaquez Jr.?) and even a pick swap in exchange for giving Miami back its 2027 first-rounder.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
8 May 2025
Noun
-
Common effects include nausea, vomiting and extreme sensitivity to light and sound.—
Peter Burke,
FOXNews.com,
19 May 2025
-
In one analysis, participants who slept less than six hours for several nights experienced hormonal changes that increased appetite, decreased insulin sensitivity and elevated cortisol levels (the stress hormone that, in excess, can impair immunity and gut function).—
Ximena Araya-Fischel,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vulnerability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vulnerability. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share