Vulnerable vs Weak

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

	Vulnerable	Weak
Meaning	Able to be easily harmed or hurt.	Not strong or powerful.
CEFR level	C1	A2
Part of speech	adjective
Usage notes	Used to describe people, animals, or things that are weak or exposed to harm. Appropriate in both formal and informal settings.	Used to describe physical strength, emotional resilience, or ineffective arguments. Avoid using it in formal academic contexts to describe theories or ideas.

Frequently asked questions: Vulnerable vs Weak

What's the difference between "Vulnerable" and "Weak"?

"Vulnerable" means: Able to be easily harmed or hurt. "Weak" means: Not strong or powerful.

When should I use "Vulnerable" and "Weak"?

They can all be used in everyday English.

Are "Vulnerable" and "Weak" the same CEFR level?

"Vulnerable" is at C1, "Weak" is at A2 on the CEFR scale.