vulnerability
[ vuhl-ner-uh-bil-i-tee ]
/ ˌvʌl nər əˈbɪl ɪ ti /
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noun
openness or susceptibility to attack or harm: We need to develop bold policies that will reduce the vulnerability of farmers to drought and floods.
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.
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.
Biology, Ecology. likeliness to be classified as an endangered species in the near future unless circumstances improve: the vulnerability of the giraffe.
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The rainy weather could not ________ my elated spirits on my graduation day.
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Rarely vul·ner·a·ble·ness [vuhl-ner-uh-buhl-nis] /ˈvʌl nər ə bəl nɪs/ .
Origin of vulnerability
First recorded in 1800–10; vulnerable + -ity
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022