vulnerable

adjective

USVUL-ner-uh-bul/ˈvʌln(ə)ɹəbl̩/

4 meanings of vulnerable

1
adjective
Easy to hurt or attack, in body or in feelings.
Like a turtle out of its shell: easy to harm.
Small children are vulnerable when they cross busy streets alone.
The storm left many old houses vulnerable to flooding.
Similarsusceptible, exposed, defenseless, unprotected, weak
Oppositesafe, protected, secure, resilient
Note
2
adjective
Willing to share your real thoughts and feelings, even when it feels risky.
Like opening a door you usually keep locked.
She finally felt safe enough to be vulnerable with her closest friend.
Being vulnerable in front of others takes real courage.
Similaropen
Oppositeguarded, defensive, closed
Note
3
adjective
Open to being attacked or damaged by harmful programs or viruses.
Like a house with an unlocked door that thieves can walk right through.
Old computers without updates are vulnerable to viruses.
This app stays vulnerable if you never install the security fixes.
Similarsusceptible, exposed, open
Oppositesecure, protected, immune
Note
4
adjective
At some risk of dying out as a species, but not yet in great danger.
Like a small group that could vanish if things get any worse.
The giant panda was once listed as vulnerable.
Many forest animals become vulnerable when their homes are cut down.
Note

Practice

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Origin

From Latin. It comes from the word vulnero, meaning "I wound."