vulnerable
vulnerable
Pronunciation
/ˈvʌl.nə.ɹə.bəl/
vul /vʌl/
/v/ - voiced labiodental fricative
/ʌ/ - mid-central unrounded vowel (as in "cut")
/l/ - alveolar lateral approximant
ne /nə/
/n/ - alveolar nasal
/ə/ - mid-central unrounded vowel (schwa)
ra /ɹə/
/ɹ/ - alveolar approximant (the "r" sound)
/ə/ - mid-central unrounded vowel (schwa)
ble /bəl/
/b/ - voiced bilabial stop
/əl/ - syllabic alveolar lateral approximant.
Word Form Variations
vulnerable:
This is the base form, an adjective. It describes a state of being susceptible to physical or emotional harm.
vulnerability:
This is the noun form. It refers to the state of being vulnerable.
It also has a plural form, "vulnerabilities".
vulnerably:
This is the adverb form. It describes how something is done in a vulnerable manner.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adjective: Vulnerable
Definition: Susceptible to physical or emotional harm; open to attack, damage, or influence.
Example: "The small bird was vulnerable to predators."
Synonyms: exposed, defenseless, susceptible, endangered, weak, unprotected, at risk, insecure.
Antonyms: protected, secure, safe, invulnerable, strong, resilient, fortified, impervious.
Noun: Vulnerability
Definition: The state of being susceptible to physical or emotional harm; a weakness or lack of defense.
Example: "He spoke openly about his vulnerability."
Synonyms: weakness, susceptibility, exposure, defenselessness, frailty, insecurity, risk.
Antonyms: security, strength, resilience, invulnerability, protection, fortitude.
Noun: Vulnerabilities
Definition: Plural form of vulnerability, meaning multiple areas of weakness or susceptibility.
Example: "The security audit revealed several vulnerabilities in the system."
Adverb: Vulnerably
Definition: In a manner that shows susceptibility to physical or emotional harm; in an exposed or defenseless way.
Example: "She spoke vulnerably about her past."
Synonyms: exposedly, defenselessly, weakly, insecurely, at risk.
Antonyms: securely, strongly, safely, invulnerably, protectedly.
Examples of Use
News and Online Publications:
Concerning vulnerable populations:
"The report highlighted the increased risk of infection among vulnerable elderly populations." (Various news outlets during health related reporting)
"Cybersecurity experts warn that small businesses are particularly vulnerable to ransomware attacks." (Wired)
"Climate change leaves vulnerable countries exposed to rising sea levels and extreme weather events." (The New York Times)
In relation to political situations:
"Analysts said that the nation's economy was very vulnerable to outside market fluctuations." (The Economist)
"Zelensky has expressed fear that Trump pushing a quick resolution would result in Ukraine losing territory and being left vulnerable to future Russian aggression." (Los Angeles Times)
In sports reporting:
"The team's defense looked vulnerable in the second half." (Sports Illustrated)
Books and Literature:
In literature, "vulnerable" is often used to describe characters who are emotionally exposed or in a precarious situation. This usage is widespread in fiction of all genres.
Non-fiction books discussing social issues often use "vulnerable" to refer to marginalized or at-risk groups.
Entertainment Mediums:
In films and television, characters often display vulnerability, which adds depth and realism to their portrayals.
Documentaries frequently use the term when discussing social issues, human rights, or environmental concerns.
"Being vulnerable" is a common theme in many songs, and is often used in the lyrics of popular music.
General Public Discourse:
In everyday conversations, people might say things like:
"I felt very vulnerable when I had to speak in front of a large crowd."
"It's important to protect vulnerable children."
"Being vulnerable with your partner can strengthen your relationship."
10 Famous Quotes Using Vulnerable
"We're never so vulnerable than when we trust someone - but paradoxically, if we cannot trust, neither can we find love or joy." (Walter Anderson)
"When we were children, we used to think that when we were grown-up we would no longer be vulnerable. But to grow up is to accept vulnerability... To be alive is to be vulnerable." (Madeleine L'Engle)
"Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity." (Brené Brown)
"Nothing makes us more vulnerable than loneliness, except greed." (Thomas Harris)
"I've had my heart broken in a lot of different ways a lot of different times by different people - whether it be a family member, a girlfriend, a friend, just all types of relying on people, making yourself vulnerable to people." (Lil Peep)
"Nothing brings me more happiness than trying to help the most vulnerable people in society. It is a goal and an essential part of my life - a kind of destiny. Whoever is in distress can call on me. I will come running wherever they are." (Princess Diana)
"Globalisation will make our societies more creative and prosperous, but also more vulnerable." (Lord Robertson)
"The truth is: Belonging starts with self-acceptance. Your level of belonging, in fact, can never be greater than your level of self-acceptance, because believing that you're enough is what gives you the courage to be authentic, vulnerable and imperfect." (Brené Brown)
"If you truly believe in the value of life, you care about all of the weakest and most vulnerable members of society." (Joni Eareckson Tada)
"To take a photograph is to participate in another person's mortality, vulnerability, mutability. Precisely by slicing out this moment and freezing it, all photographs testify to time's relentless melt." (Susan Sontag)
Etymology
Where it started:
The word "vulnerable" comes from the Latin word "vulnerabilis."
"Vulnerabilis" itself is derived from "vulnus," which means "wound."
The original meaning:
So, the core idea behind "vulnerable" is related to being capable of being wounded.
The first known use of "vulnerable" in English was in the early 1600s. Back then, it primarily meant susceptible to physical wounds or injury.
How it changed:
Over time, the meaning of "vulnerable" expanded. While it still refers to physical vulnerability, it now commonly refers to emotional or psychological susceptibility as well.
It has moved from meaning only physically able to be wounded, to meaning able to be harmed in many ways.
In essence, "vulnerable" has traveled from a very literal meaning of "wound-able" to a broader meaning of "susceptible to harm," whether that harm is physical, emotional, or otherwise.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Vulnerable
Common Phrases:
Vulnerable population/groups:
This phrase is extremely common, especially in social work, healthcare, and political discourse. It refers to groups of people who are at a higher risk of harm due to various factors (age, health, socioeconomic status, etc.).
Vulnerable to attack/exploitation:
This phrase is used in a wide range of contexts, from cybersecurity to personal relationships, to indicate a susceptibility to being harmed or taken advantage of.
Feeling vulnerable:
This phrase is used in everyday language to describe a state of emotional exposure or insecurity.
To expose a vulnerability:
This phrase is used when weaknesses are revealed.
Why few idioms:
"Vulnerable" is a relatively straightforward descriptive word. Idioms tend to be more figurative and less literal.
The concept of vulnerability is often serious and sensitive, which may limit its use in lighthearted or playful idioms.
Supplementing with Synonyms and Related Phrases:
To capture the spirit of "vulnerable," we can look at idioms and phrases that express similar concepts:
"To wear your heart on your sleeve": (Synonymous with being emotionally vulnerable)
"To be a sitting duck": (Synonymous with being exposed and defenseless)
"To be out on a limb": (Synonymous with being in a risky or precarious position)
"To leave oneself open to...": (Similar to being vulnerable to)
"To have a soft spot": (Indicating an emotional vulnerability)
"To be in a precarious position": (Similar to being vulnerable)
Original Phrases:
"The vulnerability of dawn": (Metaphorically, the time when things are most exposed and fragile)
"A vulnerability of trust": (Highlighting the risk inherent in trusting others)
"To shield a vulnerability": (To protect a weakness)
While "vulnerable" doesn't lend itself to many traditional idioms, its related concepts are expressed through a variety of phrases and figurative expressions.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of vulnerable from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
