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. )

Explanation

Vulnerability is the quality of being easily hurt or attacked. Some seniors think it's funny to pick on the ninth graders because of their vulnerability. Vulnerability comes from the Latin word for "wound," vulnus. Vulnerability is the state of being open to injury, or appearing as if you are. It might be emotional, like admitting that you're in love with someone who might only like you as a friend, or it can be literal, like the vulnerability of a soccer goal that's unprotected by any defensive players.

Example Sentences

But instead of drowning in victimhood, she wants to understand her vulnerability and strength.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

“The environment creates near-term vulnerability for P&G’s premium-leaning portfolio,” wrote Warring, who rates the stock a Sell, with a $143 price target.

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

There is also the argument that getting off gas quicker reduces vulnerability to price shocks.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

A sustained escalation would force Beijing to make a choice: either expand its presence or accept a vulnerability that can no longer be managed externally.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

It brought him face to face with his own vulnerability, his own powerlessness.

From "Farewell to Manzanar" by Jeanne Houston

Related Words

• susceptibility