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 author emphasizes that the core issue transcends political ideology, focusing instead on the vulnerability of chronically online young men who lack real-world connections and mentorship.

From Los Angeles Times

Social media erupted with praise, highlighting the brothers’ vulnerability, lyrical depth and the symbolic resonance of rap in one of the world’s most sacred spaces.

From Salon

The biggest issue - and the one concerning protesters the most - is the installations' potential vulnerability to fire.

From BBC

It also raised an uncomfortable question for a first-time filmmaker: What are the ethics of turning such vulnerability into art or profiting from someone’s mental health struggles?

From Los Angeles Times

Fife's Jacob Alon is possessed of an otherworldly voice – simultaneously angelic and tremulous with vulnerability.

From BBC

Related Words

• susceptibility