adj
vulnerable
VUHLN-ruhbl
adj
1
Likely to be harmed, attacked, or hurt, physically or emotionally.
"Newborns are especially vulnerable to infection."
"Sharing his fears made him feel vulnerable in front of the group."
2
Open to attack from malicious software or hackers.
"Outdated software leaves the network vulnerable to attacks."
3
At moderate risk of extinction, in conservation terminology.
"The species was reclassified from "vulnerable" to "endangered" after its numbers dropped further."
How to Use Vulnerable
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishExposed to harm — able to be hurt, attacked, or affected easily.
Common pairings
vulnerable population
emotionally vulnerable
vulnerable to attack
Word Forms
more vulnerable comparative, most vulnerable superlative
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Newborns are especially _____ to infection.
Etymology
From Late Latin vulnerabilis, "wounding," from Latin vulnero, "to wound."