vulnerability

Everyday

1. Vulnerability is being easy to hurt, harm or attack, in body or feelings. tree →
2. A vulnerability is a weak point that could let something bad happen. tree →
3. (computers) A vulnerability is a weakness in a program that hackers could use. tree →
4. Vulnerability can also mean being open and honest about your feelings, even when it is hard. tree →

In the lessons

Used in safety and wellbeing lessons (showing your feelings is brave), in computing (security vulnerabilities), in science (vulnerability of species), and in stories (a hero's weak spot).

Examples

• The castle's vulnerability was its weak back gate. tree →
• Babies and old people have a greater vulnerability to cold. tree →
• Achilles' heel was his only vulnerability. tree →
• The update fixed a vulnerability in the app. tree →
• Talking about your worries shows vulnerability, and that takes courage. tree →
• Islands have a vulnerability to rising seas. tree →
• The team found the vulnerability in the other side's defence. tree →

Note

Adjective: «vulnerable». Plural «vulnerabilities» for several weak points. Vulnerability is not the same as weakness of character: showing feelings can be a strength.