Vulnerable — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈvəl-n(ə-)rə-bəl/ vul·ner·a·ble

Meaning & Definition of Vulnerable

Vulnerable (adjective)

  1. capable of being easily hurt or harmed physically, mentally, or emotionally
  2. open to attack, harm, or damage, assailable
  3. liable to increased penalties but entitled to increased bonuses after winning a game in contract bridge

Vulnerable (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. being in a situation where one is likely to meet with harm

    "I'm vulnerable to sunburn whenever I go out in the sun"

    similar: endangered, exposed, liable, open, sensitive, subject (to), susceptible, at risk, in deep water, in jeopardy
    related: likely, prone, uncovered, undefended, unguarded, unprotected, unscreened, unsecured
    opposite: insusceptible, invulnerable, unexposed, unsusceptible
    near: covered, guarded, protected, safeguarded, screened, secured, sheltered, shielded, warded

  2. lacking protection from danger or resistance against attack

    "vulnerable baby chicks"

    similar: defenseless, exposed, helpless, susceptible, undefended, unguarded, unprotected, unresistant, in the lurch
    related: indefensible, untenable, uncovered, unsafe, overcome, preyed (on or upon), disarmed, passive, resistless, unarmed, feeble, frail, weak, abandoned, high and dry, marooned
    opposite: guarded, invulnerable, protected, resistant, shielded
    near: defensible, covered, fortified, safe, screened, secure, sheltered, armed, armored, immune, impenetrable, impregnable, invincible, strong, unassailable, unbeatable, unconquerable, almighty, omnipotent

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Vulnerable

The most common words with a similar meaning to Vulnerable:

endangered, exposed, liable, open, sensitive, subject (to), susceptible, defenseless, helpless, undefended, unguarded, unprotected, unresistant, at risk, in deep water, in jeopardy, in the lurch

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Vulnerable

Words with the opposite meaning of Vulnerable:

insusceptible, invulnerable, unexposed, unsusceptible, guarded, protected, resistant, shielded

Related Words for Vulnerable

likely, prone, uncovered, unscreened, unsecured, indefensible, untenable, unsafe, overcome, preyed (on or upon), disarmed, passive, resistless, unarmed, feeble, frail, weak, abandoned, high and dry, marooned

Near Antonyms of Vulnerable

covered, safeguarded, screened, secured, sheltered, warded, defensible, fortified, safe, secure, armed, armored, immune, impenetrable, impregnable, invincible, strong, unassailable, unbeatable, unconquerable, almighty, omnipotent

Word Forms of Vulnerable

Derived words: vulnerability (noun), vulnerableness (noun), vulnerably (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Vulnerable

Late Latin vulnerabilis, from Latin vulnerare to wound, from vulner-, vulnus wound; probably akin to Latin vellere to pluck, Greek oulē wound

First known use: circa 1616

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Vulnerable

Frequently Asked Questions about Vulnerable

What does "Vulnerable" mean?

"Vulnerable" means capable of being easily hurt or harmed physically, mentally, or emotionally. As an adjective, it is defined as: capable of being easily hurt or harmed physically, mentally, or emotionally. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Vulnerable"?

Other words for "Vulnerable" include endangered, exposed, liable, open, sensitive, subject (to), susceptible and defenseless. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Vulnerable" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Vulnerable"?

There are 37 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Vulnerable". Common alternatives include endangered, exposed, liable, open, sensitive, subject (to), susceptible, defenseless, helpless and undefended.

What is the opposite of "Vulnerable"?

Antonyms of "Vulnerable" include insusceptible, invulnerable, unexposed, unsusceptible, guarded, protected, resistant and shielded. Near antonyms include covered, safeguarded, screened and secured.

How do you use "Vulnerable" in a sentence?

Examples of "Vulnerable" in a sentence: "I'm vulnerable to sunburn whenever I go out in the sun"; "vulnerable baby chicks".

Is "Vulnerable" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Vulnerable" is an adjective.

Is "Vulnerable" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Vulnerable" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Vulnerable"?

"Vulnerable" is pronounced /ˈvəl-n(ə-)rə-bəl/ and divided into syllables as vul·ner·a·ble.