vulnerability

American  

[vuhl-ner-uh-bil-i-tee] / ˌvʌl nər əˈbɪl ɪ ti /

Rarely vulnerableness

noun

1. openness or susceptibility to attack or harm.

   We need to develop bold policies that will reduce the vulnerability of farmers to drought and floods.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Biology, likeliness to be classified as an endangered species in the near future unless circumstances improve.

   the vulnerability of the giraffe.

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Etymology

Origin of vulnerability

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

Example Sentences

"For the first time, I approached social media from a place of vulnerability" she says.

From BBC

What McCarthy discovers is that in a society obsessed with male bravado, one that far too often values virility above vulnerability, it’s the knocking down of emotional walls that enables male friendships to thrive.

From Los Angeles Times

Then it’s up to them — people who have years of experience at recognizing your vulnerabilities and gaining your confidence — to get you to believe them, even if it’s only for five minutes on the phone.

From MarketWatch

"By identifying periods of increased vulnerability, healthcare providers and other stakeholders can more easily offer support," says Jing Zhou.

From Science Daily

During her term in office, she’s had to deal with Europe’s well-advertised vulnerabilities, most notably in energy dependence and the demographic challenges of an ageing society.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• susceptibility