Vulnerability
ˌvʌlnərəˈbɪlɪti
Definitions
The quality or state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally.
ˌvʌlnərəˈbɪlɪti
The state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally.
The old bridge's structural vulnerability made it dangerous during storms.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're not wearing a shield in a game. Vulnerability means you're more likely to get hit or hurt. It's like when you're sharing your feelings, you become vulnerable to being judged or hurt.
👶 For kids: When something is easy to hurt or break, it's vulnerable! Like when you are sad, you are vulnerable because your feelings can be hurt.
More Examples
The company identified a software vulnerability that hackers could exploit.
Acknowledging his vulnerability allowed him to build stronger relationships.
The economic vulnerability of developing nations is a major global concern.
How It's Used
"The patient's advanced age increased his vulnerability to infections."
"The company's IT team worked to address the system's vulnerabilities before hackers could exploit them."
"Poverty often increases the vulnerability of children to exploitation."
"She showed a surprising vulnerability when discussing her past."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
a point of vulnerability
A specific weakness that can be exploited.
"His lack of experience in negotiations was a point of vulnerability for the company."
vulnerable to criticism
Open to receiving negative feedback or judgment.
"The controversial new policy made the government vulnerable to criticism from both sides of the political spectrum."
From Latin *vulnerabilis* (able to be wounded), from *vulnus* (wound). The word's meaning evolved to encompass emotional and social susceptibility over time.
The word has been in use since the 16th century, originally referring to physical injuries. Its metaphorical use, to describe emotional or social weaknesses, evolved later.
Memory tip
Think of a 'vulnerable' animal: it lacks defenses and is easily harmed. 'Vulnerability' is the same state, but for people or systems.
Word Origin
"wound"