vulnerable

vulnerable (ˈvʌlnərəb^əl)

—*adj*
1.	capable of being physically or emotionally wounded or hurt
2.	open to temptation, persuasion, censure, etc
3.	liable or exposed to disease, disaster, etc
4.	military liable or exposed to attack
5.	bridge (of a side who have won one game towards rubber) subject to increased bonuses or penalties

[C17: from Late Latin vulnerābilis, from Latin vulnerāre to wound, from vulnus a wound]

vulnera'bility

—n

'vulnerableness

—n

'vulnerably

—*adv*

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source

Etymonline

Word Origin & History

vulnerable

1605, from L.L. vulnerabilis "wounding," from L. vulnerare "to wound," from vulnus (gen. vulneris) "wound," perhaps related to vellere "pluck, to tear."

Example sentences

Since they are vulnerable, it is helpful to be vulnerable yourself by being

open and sharing information about yourself with them.

Much depends on how vulnerable they are in the first place.

Seemingly modest fluctuations in rainfall, temperature and other meteorological

factors can create havoc in vulnerable societies.

They're vulnerable to malfunction and mischief that could go undetected.

Use Dictionary.com faster without ads >>

glass jaw heat shield impregnable indefensible jugular kung fu

Matching Quote

"Children are extraordinarily precious members of society; they are exquisitely alert, sensitive, and conscious of their surroundings; and they are extraordinarily vulnerable to maltreatment or emotional abuse by adults who refuse to give them the profound respect and affection to which they are unconditionally entitled."

-unknown author