vulnerable

adjective

ˈvəl-n(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce vulnerable (audio)
Definition of vulnerablenext
1
as in susceptible
being in a situation where one is likely to meet with harm I'm vulnerable to sunburn whenever I go out in the sun

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in helpless
lacking protection from danger or resistance against attack vulnerable baby chicks

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of vulnerable The compilation was organized by Build Art Make Change, a nonprofit organization that works to empower vulnerable communities, shift public discourse, and drive policy reform. — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 12 Aug. 2026 That vulnerable performance earned Ahmed an Emmy nomination for outstanding lead actor in a limited or anthology series or movie. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026 Areas most vulnerable will be parking lots near the beaches, Wheeler said. — Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 12 Aug. 2026 And unsurprisingly, vulnerable groups of Americans are driving the rock-bottom expectations. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vulnerable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vulnerable
  1. susceptible
  2. helpless
  3. sensitive
  4. unprotected
  5. exposed
  6. prone
Adjective
  • The two phantoms were designed to be adult females, since previous research found that breasts and ovaries are especially susceptible to radiation damage.
    — Charles Q. Choi, Space.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Without claim-level review capabilities, employers remain susceptible to inaccurate reimbursements regardless of efficiencies achieved through administrative processes.
    — Bruce Roffe, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of susceptible
Adjective
  • The wartime mood among European and American intellectuals was hopeless, or, rather, in her estimation, helpless.
    — David Denby, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
  • And the sport — players in uniform and executives in suits alike — all march toward the cliff in shackles of their own design, seemingly helpless to find a compromise.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of helpless
Adjective
  • To avoid this sensitive date, pre-orders are now predicted to start on Saturday, September 12th.
    — David Phelan, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Capricorn December 22 – January 19 A sensitive conversation can support your reputation when handled well.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of sensitive
Adjective
  • The installations at the 500 delis were completed in April, but the city has not committed any additional funds towards equipping the thousands of bodegas that remain unprotected, Mateo said.
    — Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • How to see the eclipse Never look directly at the sun with unprotected eyes.
    — Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of unprotected
Adjective
  • The fact that my life is so exposed is incredibly complex for me.
    — Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2026
  • What information the Paidwork leak reportedly exposed The exposed information appears to reach far beyond email addresses.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of exposed
Adjective
  • The National Disaster Management Agency, or BNPB, said nearly 48,900 hectares (121,000 acres) of peatland had burned across six fire-prone provinces as of Monday, with the largest affected area in West Kalimantan on Borneo island.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Recently, deadly fires in Paradise, Marshall, Lahaina, and Los Angeles share the same message for residents living in or close to risky fire-prone areas.
    — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of prone

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vulnerability
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Cite this Entry

“Vulnerable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vulnerable. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of vulnerable for Spanish Speakers

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