soft target
noun
a location, object, or person that is vulnerable to attack, especially a public space made vulnerable due to a lack of security.
soft targets
-
pluralof soft target.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Curators warn Sunday’s robbery highlights how public museums and libraries—hampered by tight budgets and aging infrastructure—have become soft targets.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 8, 2025
"For now, I just think they're just going after soft targets like schools because they're easy to get money from. It's too early to draw other conclusions," he said.
From BBC ● Nov. 29, 2025
His statements could have "inadvertently instigated or emboldened opportunistic armed groups that are seeking to exploit international narratives by attacking soft targets", Obasi said.
From Barron's ● Nov. 24, 2025
State and local officials are urged to “harden” soft targets such as schools, churches, shopping centers and, presumably, all communal settings in the United States, with more and better security devices and armed guards.
From Washington Post ● Jun. 17, 2022
Make look-see hacking a minor offence and the institutions will stop going after the soft targets and hopefully spend more time on the real criminals.
From Underground by Dreyfus, Suelette
