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

Its ensemble is still a well-oiled machine powered by the performers’ chemistry and clear affection for each other and their characters’ tangible vulnerability.

From Salon

Much of the talk in the build up centred around Scotland's vulnerability in last 20 minutes, but it was a sluggish start that undid Gregor Townsend's side.

From BBC

It said the design of the Bounce Back Loan Scheme "created specific vulnerabilities to fraud and error".

From BBC

As they tried to make sense of his fall, some allies wondered whether Karp’s instinct to please friends and clients—typically a virtue for a workaholic corporate lawyer—may have been a vulnerability with Epstein.

From The Wall Street Journal

Its biggest vulnerability is its inability to pay for the oil and fuel it needs to keep the lights on and its economy running.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• susceptibility