First Known Use: 1605
Dictionary
vulnerable
adjective vul·ner·a·ble \ˈvəl-n(ə-)rə-bəl, ˈvəl-nər-bəl\
: easily hurt or harmed physically, mentally, or emotionally
: open to attack, harm, or damage
Full Definition of VULNERABLE
1
: capable of being physically or emotionally wounded
2
: open to attack or damage : assailable <vulnerable to criticism>
3
: liable to increased penalties but entitled to increased bonuses after winning a game in contract bridge
— vul·ner·a·bil·i·ty \ˌvəl-n(ə-)rə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
— vul·ner·a·ble·ness \ˈvəl-n(ə-)rə-bəl-nəs, ˈvəl-nər-bəl-\ noun
— vul·ner·a·bly \-blē\ adverb
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Origin of VULNERABLE
Late Latin vulnerabilis, from Latin vulnerare to wound, from vulner-, vulnus wound; probably akin to Latin vellere to pluck, Greek oulē wound
Related to VULNERABLE
- Synonyms
- endangered, exposed, open, sensitive, subject (to), susceptible, liable
- Antonyms
- insusceptible, invulnerable, unexposed, unsusceptible
VULNERABLE Defined for Kids
vulnerable
adjective vul·ner·a·ble \ˈvəl-nə-rə-bəl\
Definition of VULNERABLE for Kids
1
: capable of being easily hurt or injured <The patient is vulnerable to infection.>
2
: open to attack or damage <The troops were in a vulnerable position.>
Medical Dictionary
vulnerable
adjective vul·ner·a·ble \ˈvəln-(ə-)rə-bəl, ˈvəl-nər-bəl\
Medical Definition of VULNERABLE
: capable of being hurt : susceptible to injury or disease <the liver is itself vulnerable to nutritional impairment—Journal of the American Medical Association>
—vul·ner·a·bil·i·ty \ˌvəln-(ə-)rə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ noun, plural vul·ner·a·bil·i·ties
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