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

"The current Middle East crisis gives a stark reminder of the vulnerability it creates," she added.

From Barron's

I’m close to my dad, and my dad is, I would also say a vulnerability cheerleader, and a very refreshingly emotional Englishman.

From Los Angeles Times

“Near wins” also exploit this vulnerability by activating our brain’s rewards system almost as strongly as a win, making losses feel like progress and encouraging us to keep betting.

From The Wall Street Journal

Integrating these data sources into a bridge's structural vulnerability score allows engineers to receive more frequent updates than traditional inspection schedules provide.

From Science Daily

Oil alone has never caused a recession; it usually requires some other vulnerability.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• susceptibility