C1adjective2K

UK//ˈvʌlnərəbl//US//ˈvʌlnərəbəl//

Meaning of Vulnerable

Susceptible to physical or emotional harm.

In simple words: Able to be easily harmed or hurt.

Vulnerable in a sentence

  • Children are especially vulnerable to bullying at school.
  • The vulnerable species needs protection to survive.
  • After the breakup, she felt emotionally vulnerable and alone.
  • In a crisis, the elderly population often becomes the most vulnerable.
  • The report highlights vulnerable communities affected by climate change.

How to use Vulnerable

Used to describe people, animals, or things that are weak or exposed to harm. Appropriate in both formal and informal settings.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think 'vulnerable' sounds like 'vulner+able' - you are able to be hurt.

Related words

Collocations with Vulnerable

  • vulnerable population
  • vulnerable position
  • vulnerable state

Synonyms for Vulnerable

  • exposed
  • defenseless
  • susceptible
  • unprotected
  • weak

Opposites of Vulnerable

  • invulnerable
  • protected
  • safe

Common mistakes with Vulnerable

  • Confused with 'invulnerable', which means incapable of being wounded.
  • Used inappropriately in informal contexts when describing strong entities.
  • Omitted the context of emotional vs physical vulnerability.

Vulnerable appears in

Vulnerable in other languages

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Frequently asked questions about Vulnerable

What does Vulnerable mean?

Able to be easily harmed or hurt.

What is the definition of Vulnerable?

Susceptible to physical or emotional harm.

How do you use Vulnerable in a sentence?

Children are especially vulnerable to bullying at school.

Can you give another example of Vulnerable?

The vulnerable species needs protection to survive.

What are synonyms for Vulnerable?

Common alternatives include exposed, defenseless, susceptible, unprotected, weak.

What is the opposite of Vulnerable?

Opposite meanings include invulnerable, protected, safe.

What words go with Vulnerable?

It commonly pairs with vulnerable population, vulnerable position, vulnerable state.

What are common mistakes when using Vulnerable?

Confused with 'invulnerable', which means incapable of being wounded. Used inappropriately in informal contexts when describing strong entities. Omitted the context of emotional vs physical vulnerability.

How do you pronounce Vulnerable?

US: //ˈvʌlnərəbəl//, UK: //ˈvʌlnərəbl//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Vulnerable?

Used to describe people, animals, or things that are weak or exposed to harm. Appropriate in both formal and informal settings.

What CEFR level is Vulnerable?

"Vulnerable" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.