vulnerability

Rarely vul·ner·a·ble·ness

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

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of vulnerability¹

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

Example Sentences

The Nazis also used maps as propaganda, “by suggesting, for example, the encirclement of Germany and conveying its vulnerability to attack from neighboring states.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Addressing this vulnerability is key to restoring fairness to our banking system.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

If tariffs were a source of economic hardship for China, then Beijing would target America's vulnerabilities.

Read more on BBC

An album like “West End Girl” is a double-edged sword, enticing audiences to relate to Allen’s vulnerability, but also letting them project their own experiences onto the artist’s, thus intensifying a listener’s reaction.

Read more on Salon

In “The Bear’s” White, Cooper saw an actor who’d capture Springsteen’s dualities — swagger and fragility, quiet intensity and vulnerability — and who was committed to total immersion.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• susceptibility