vulnerability
7 synonyms and 1 antonyms for vulnerability, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The state of being open to being hurt, attacked, or emotionally exposed.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use vulnerability
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From vulnerable plus the noun suffix -ity.
Full origin of vulnerability →Frequently asked questions
What does “vulnerability” mean?
The word “vulnerability” means the state of being open to being hurt, attacked, or emotionally exposed. In plain terms, being exposed to harm — emotionally, physically, or (in tech) through a security weakness.
How do you pronounce “vulnerability”?
“Vulnerability” is pronounced vuhln-ruh-BIH-lih-tee (/ˌvʌln(ə)ɹəˈbɪləti/ in IPA).
How do you use “vulnerability” in a sentence?
Here is “vulnerability” used in a sentence: “Opening up about his past took real vulnerability.”
What is another word for “vulnerability”?
Words with a similar meaning to “vulnerability” include vulnerableness.
What is the opposite of “vulnerability”?
The opposite of “vulnerability” — its antonyms — is invulnerability.
What part of speech is “vulnerability”?
“Vulnerability” is a noun.
Is “vulnerability” a common word?
“Vulnerability” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “vulnerability” have?
“Vulnerability” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the state of being open to being hurt, attacked, or emotionally exposed.
What is the difference between vulnerability and weakness?
Vulnerability describes being open to being hurt, attacked, or exposed, while weakness describes a lack of strength or capability more generally. A person can be emotionally vulnerable without being weak, since vulnerability is about openness to harm rather than an inherent lack of ability.
What is a vulnerability in cybersecurity?
In cybersecurity, a vulnerability is a weakness in a system, especially a computer system, that could be exploited by an attacker to gain unauthorized access or cause damage. Software vendors regularly release patches to fix known vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.