Vulnerable Meaning

Meaning of Word

Vulnerable refers to being susceptible to harm, damage, or emotional distress, often because of a lack of protection or defenses. It can describe physical, emotional, or social weaknesses that make someone or something open to attack, injury, or exploitation.

Definitions and Meaning in English

Vulnerable means being in a position where one is more likely to be harmed, affected, or influenced negatively.
It can refer to a state of being exposed to the possibility of harm, whether physical, emotional, or psychological.
Vulnerable can describe people, places, or situations that are unprotected or at risk due to certain weaknesses or circumstances.

History and Origin

The word vulnerable comes from the Latin word vulnerabilis, derived from vulnerare, meaning “to wound” or “to harm.” The term began to be used in English in the late 16th century to describe people or things that were susceptible to injury or harm, either physically or metaphorically. Over time, the meaning of vulnerable expanded to include emotional and psychological sensitivity, not just physical harm.

Detailed Explanation

Being vulnerable means being exposed to the possibility of harm, either physically or emotionally. This can occur in various contexts:

Physical vulnerability might describe someone who is ill, injured, or otherwise incapable of defending themselves from harm. For instance, elderly individuals or small children may be seen as physically vulnerable because they may not be able to protect themselves as effectively.
Emotional vulnerability refers to being open to emotional pain, such as when someone shares their feelings and is at risk of being hurt or rejected.
Social vulnerability involves being susceptible to exploitation or discrimination due to a lack of social support or protection.
Ecological vulnerability is used to describe species or ecosystems that are at risk due to environmental changes or human impact.

Being vulnerable does not always imply weakness. It can also reflect a state of openness or exposure, which, in some cases, can lead to growth or positive change, such as the vulnerability shown in relationships, creativity, or personal development.

Example Sentences

The elderly are often more vulnerable to diseases like the flu.
She felt vulnerable after losing her job and having no immediate support.
The vulnerable wildlife species are at risk of extinction due to habitat destruction.
The child appeared vulnerable as he walked alone through the dark alley.
His vulnerable state made him an easy target for exploitation.
The community is particularly vulnerable to flooding during heavy rains.
People who have been through trauma are often emotionally vulnerable.
The country’s economy is vulnerable to fluctuations in global markets.
They implemented measures to protect the vulnerable members of society from abuse.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

Exposed: Open to potential harm, similar to being vulnerable.
Defenseless: Lacking protection or the ability to resist harm, like vulnerable.
Susceptible: Likely to be influenced or harmed by something, akin to vulnerable.
Helpless: Unable to defend oneself, similar to being vulnerable to attack or harm.
Weak: Lacking strength or resilience, often leading to vulnerability in various contexts.

Related Words with Short Explanation

Fragile: Easily broken or damaged, often used in a similar context to vulnerable when describing physical or emotional states.
Exploitation: Taking advantage of someone’s vulnerability for personal gain.
Risk: The possibility of harm or danger, which is increased for those who are vulnerable.
Protection: The act of shielding someone or something from harm, the opposite of vulnerability.
Insecurity: A state of being unsure or unprotected, often contributing to emotional or social vulnerability.

More Matches with Short Explanation

At risk: A phrase often used to describe individuals or groups that are vulnerable to harm or danger.
Endangered: Used in reference to species that are particularly vulnerable to extinction.
Sensitive: Describes someone who may be emotionally vulnerable or affected by external factors.
Unprotected: Lacking adequate defense or support, often resulting in vulnerability to harm.
Exposed to danger: A state of being vulnerable due to a lack of protection from potential threats.

Antonyms

Protected: Shielded from harm or danger, the opposite of vulnerable.
Resilient: Capable of withstanding or recovering from harm, contrary to being vulnerable.
Safe: Free from risk or harm, unlike being vulnerable.
Strong: Having physical or emotional strength, which provides resistance to vulnerability.
Invulnerable: Impossible to harm or damage, the direct opposite of vulnerable.