vulnerable

The word “vulnerable” means likely to be harmed, attacked, or hurt, physically or emotionally. In plain terms, exposed to harm — able to be hurt, attacked, or affected easily.

“Vulnerable” is pronounced VUHLN-ruhbl (/ˈvʌln(ə)ɹəbl̩/ in IPA).

Here is “vulnerable” used in a sentence: “Newborns are especially vulnerable to infection.”

Words with a similar meaning to “vulnerable” include defenceless, helpless, powerless, unguarded, unprotected and weak.

The opposite of “vulnerable” — its antonyms — are durable, indomitable, invincible, invulnerable and powerful.

“Vulnerable” is an adjective.

The word “vulnerable” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin vulnerabilis, "wounding," from Latin vulnero, "to wound.".

“Vulnerable” is a fairly common word in modern English.

Fragile means easily broken or damaged and is usually about physical delicacy, like fragile glass. Vulnerable means likely to be harmed, attacked, or hurt, physically or emotionally, and applies to people, systems, and situations, not just objects. A person can be emotionally vulnerable without being physically fragile.

Both describe being open to harm, but susceptible is usually followed by "to" and names a specific threat, as in "susceptible to colds." Vulnerable is broader and can stand alone, describing a general state of being likely to be harmed, attacked, or hurt. In computing, a system is often called vulnerable when it is open to attack from malicious software or hackers.

Vulnerable is typically followed by "to" when naming the source of harm, as in "vulnerable to attack" or "vulnerable to criticism." It can also stand alone, as in "vulnerable people," when the threat is understood from context.