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VULNERABLE
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
I. (adjective)
Sense 1
Meaning:
Capable of being wounded or hurt
Example:
vulnerable parts of the body
Classified under:
Similar:
weak (wanting in physical strength)
Derivation:
vulnerability (the state of being vulnerable or exposed)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Susceptible to criticism or persuasion or temptation
Example:
an argument vulnerable to refutation
Classified under:
Similar:
susceptible ((often followed by 'of' or 'to') yielding readily to or capable of)
Derivation:
vulnerability (the state of being vulnerable or exposed)
Sense 3
Meaning:
Susceptible to attack
Example:
a vulnerable bridge
Classified under:
Adjectives
Similar:
unguarded (lacking protection or a guard)
under attack; under fire (subjected to enemy attack or censure)
threatened ((of flora or fauna) likely in the near future to become endangered)
penetrable (capable of being penetrated)
insecure; unsafe (not safe from attack)
indefensible (not able to be protected against attack)
endangered ((of flora or fauna) in imminent danger of extinction)
defenceless; defenseless (lacking protection or support)
compromising (vulnerable to danger especially of discredit or suspicion)
assailable; open; undefendable; undefended (not defended or capable of being defended)
Also:
susceptible ((often followed by 'of' or 'to') yielding readily to or capable of)
insecure; unsafe (lacking in security or safety)
dangerous; unsafe (involving or causing danger or risk; liable to hurt or harm)
unprotected (lacking protection or defense)
conquerable (subject to being conquered or overcome)
Antonym:
invulnerable (immune to attack; impregnable)
Derivation:
vulnerability (susceptibility to injury or attack)
Context examples:
While the Ross Ice Shelf is considered to be relatively stable, the new findings show that it may be more vulnerable than thought so far.
(Rapid melting of the world’s largest ice shelf linked to solar heat in the ocean, The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin)
This study shows how human DNA is vulnerable to many agents in our surroundings.
(‘Fingerprint database’ could help scientists to identify new cancer culprits, University of Cambridge)
First, CHCs aim to improve access to care for low income, underserved, vulnerable populations.
(Community Health Center, NCI Thesaurus)
DNA Alkylation involves the addition of alkyl groups to any of several vulnerable positions on all four of the DNA bases.
(DNA Alkylation, NCI Thesaurus)
White Fang was in a rage, wickedly making his attack on the most vulnerable spot.
(White Fang, by Jack London)
We beat at them with the stocks of our guns, but there was nothing solid or vulnerable to strike.
(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
“You are not very vulnerable from above,” Holmes remarked as he held up the lantern and gazed about him.
(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
“Pollution threatens fundamental human rights, such as the right to life, health, well-being, safe work as well as protections of children and the most vulnerable,” co-author Karti Sandilya said.
(Pollution is the World’s No. 1 Killer, VOA)
Marine life in the tropical western Pacific is even more vulnerable to these changes because of a seasonally stable environment.
(Pacific island fish migrating to cooler seas, SciDev.Net)
Heat waves cause widespread discomfort and can be deadly for vulnerable individuals, while surface ozone and air pollution are linked to premature death from heart disease, stroke and lung ailments.
(Dangers of Concurrent Heat Waves, Air Pollution, The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin)
