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
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
That accounts equally for Lily’s arch froideur and Diana’s enduring lack of self-worth, played by both actors with care and compassion, and contrasting flickers of vulnerability and resolve, respectively.
—
Guy Lodge, Variety, 5 Feb. 2026
Seized by a desperate need to be heard and unable to speak, Sara reaches for another language, leaving her son a final message through an act of profound vulnerability.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 5 Feb. 2026
This fetishy adventure is a minimalist romantic comedy in which submissive meets dominant, and submissive explores his physical and emotional vulnerabilities.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
Customer-experience measurer Creative Strategies cited owner frustration with Musk as a distinct vulnerability for Tesla back in 2022.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
How to prevent credential stuffing Companies must stay alert to cybersecurity threats, but users can also take steps to reduce their vulnerability.
—Brian Sloan, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2026
Balancing confidence and vulnerability in your internal and external communications isn’t always straightforward, though.
—Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 4 Feb. 2026
Wanting anything, expressing any sort of enthusiasm or vulnerability, could be described by some as awkward or even cringe-worthy.
—Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 4 Feb. 2026
Similarly the vulnerability of Nancy Guthrie, an elderly woman described as having mobility problems, as a possible victim of a violent crime, is sickening and deeply uncomfortable.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026
Guy Lodge, Variety, 5 Feb. 2026
Seized by a desperate need to be heard and unable to speak, Sara reaches for another language, leaving her son a final message through an act of profound vulnerability.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 5 Feb. 2026
This fetishy adventure is a minimalist romantic comedy in which submissive meets dominant, and submissive explores his physical and emotional vulnerabilities.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
Customer-experience measurer Creative Strategies cited owner frustration with Musk as a distinct vulnerability for Tesla back in 2022.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
How to prevent credential stuffing Companies must stay alert to cybersecurity threats, but users can also take steps to reduce their vulnerability.
—Brian Sloan, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2026
Balancing confidence and vulnerability in your internal and external communications isn’t always straightforward, though.
—Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 4 Feb. 2026
Wanting anything, expressing any sort of enthusiasm or vulnerability, could be described by some as awkward or even cringe-worthy.
—Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 4 Feb. 2026
Similarly the vulnerability of Nancy Guthrie, an elderly woman described as having mobility problems, as a possible victim of a violent crime, is sickening and deeply uncomfortable.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vulnerability
Noun
-
Genetics may impact your susceptibility to heart failure, so talk with your doctor.—
Sam Woodward,
USA Today,
6 Feb. 2026
-
The anatomy of the wrist is responsible for the high susceptibility to nerve pain with repetitive hand motions that require wrist flexion.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Crews are continuing to respond to the exposure, though the total number of people affected has not yet been released.—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Investors have been reducing exposure to the dollar since as early as last year, and European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde has called for the euro to take on a larger role in global finance.—
Stephanie Yang,
CNN Money,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
So, Domínguez remaining the primary backup would seem to be a weakness for the Yankees, who over the past year have been on a mission to give manager Aaron Boone as much lineup versatility as possible.—
Brendan Kuty,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
-
Gorman and other committee members spent time with the CEO candidates to learn their strengths, weaknesses and visions for the future.—
Meg James,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
People with citrus allergies or certain digestive sensitivities may need to limit intake, but for the general population, Sumo Citrus is a safe and nutritious option.—
Morgan Pearson,
Verywell Health,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Florence brings an extraordinary intelligence and a rare sensitivity to character while Annie’s vision gives the story both depth and direction.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Vulnerability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vulnerability. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
