View synonyms for vulnerability

vulnerability

[ vuhl-ner-uh-bil-i-tee ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

openness or susceptibility to attack or harm:
We need to develop bold policies that will reduce the vulnerability of farmers to drought and floods.
willingness to show emotion or to allow one’s weaknesses to be seen or known; willingness to risk being emotionally hurt:
The foundation for open communication consists of honesty, trust, and vulnerability.
the condition of needing supportive or protective social services and community resources because of advanced age, poverty, disability, etc.:
the vulnerability of disabled senior citizens.
Biology, Ecology. likeliness to be classified as an endangered species in the near future unless circumstances improve:
the vulnerability of the giraffe.

First recorded in 1800–10; vulnerable ( def ) + -ity ( def )

Browse