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
Relevance
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 vulnerable
Water deeply during dry spells, especially for young or vulnerable trees.
—
James Campbell, Mercury News, 28 July 2025
Young children, older individuals, people with chronic medical conditions and pregnant women are reportedly among the most vulnerable to the heat.
—Abigail Adams, People.com, 28 July 2025
Persistent issues with customer service, especially prolonged call wait times, can directly impact vulnerable populations' ability to access critical support.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 July 2025
Outside of Scandinavia, there may be less preparedness and an aging population more vulnerable to cold weather snaps on the European continent.
—Cory Franklin, Chicago Tribune, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for vulnerable
James Campbell, Mercury News, 28 July 2025
Young children, older individuals, people with chronic medical conditions and pregnant women are reportedly among the most vulnerable to the heat.
—Abigail Adams, People.com, 28 July 2025
Persistent issues with customer service, especially prolonged call wait times, can directly impact vulnerable populations' ability to access critical support.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 July 2025
Outside of Scandinavia, there may be less preparedness and an aging population more vulnerable to cold weather snaps on the European continent.
—Cory Franklin, Chicago Tribune, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for vulnerable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vulnerable
Adjective
-
Alligator Alcatraz, which sits inside Big Cypress National Preserve, is susceptible to a hurricane strike from nearly any direction.—
Bill Kearney,
Sun Sentinel,
2 Aug. 2025
-
Not to mention, antibiotics aren’t always effective at killing drug-resistant bugs, and each UTI leaves you more susceptible to future infections, creating a vicious cycle.—
Erica Sloan,
SELF,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
When employees bring problems to their leaders, a dangerous dynamic often emerges, one that turns capable professionals into helpless children and transforms managers into overbearing parents.—
Mark Murphy,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
-
For the first time in his life, the great shark couldn’t swim freely and, panic-stricken, bolted clear of his world and there was only emptiness, and his tail and pectoral fins were helpless in the void.—
Pat Smith,
Outdoor Life,
24 July 2025
Adjective
-
Businesses cannot process sensitive data without obtaining consumer consent.—
Karoline Leonard,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
-
There are some intense scenes During The Fantastic Four: First Steps, there are some intense scenes that may not be suitable for younger (or more sensitive) viewers.—
Jordana Comiter,
People.com,
29 July 2025
Adjective
-
And Easterwood estimates that the majority of paint horses, left unprotected, will eventually develop skin issues.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
21 July 2025
-
Surface corrosion on unprotected components will vary with age and exposure.—
John Paul Senior Manager Public Affairs And Traffic Safety Aaa Northeast,
Hartford Courant,
20 July 2025
Adjective
-
The formal living room sports soaring ceilings lined with exposed beams, while the more casual family room is surrounded by walls of windows and topped with a skylight for even more natural light.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
17 July 2025
-
Yet, the bill pares back support for wind and solar projects that typically complement gas plants—potentially leaving the grid more exposed, not less.—
Ken Silverstein,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT
Updated July 12,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 July 2025
-
The discovered manipulation techniques are a reminder of the fact that every system is prone to be gamed; that the very strength of the system – ie.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vulnerable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vulnerable. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share