vulnerable

Everyday

1. Vulnerable means easily hurt, harmed or attacked, in body or feelings. tree →
2. Vulnerable people are those who need extra protection, such as young children, very old people or people who are ill. tree →
3. (formal) Open to something bad: «vulnerable to colds». tree →

In the lessons

In safety and citizenship lessons, adults protect vulnerable children; online safety lessons explain how people can make you vulnerable by learning private details. In science, some animals are vulnerable to extinction. Phrases: «vulnerable to», «vulnerable children», «feel vulnerable», «a vulnerable species».

Examples

• Babies are very vulnerable and need care. tree →
• The castle's weak gate made it vulnerable to attack. tree →
• I felt vulnerable when I told everyone my secret. tree →
• Old people are more vulnerable to the flu. tree →
• Pandas are a vulnerable species. tree →
• Never share your password; it makes you vulnerable online. tree →
• The charity helps vulnerable families. tree →

Note

Adjective. Noun: vulnerability. Spelling: v-u-l-n-e-r-a-b-l-e (do not forget the «l» after «vu»). Opposite: invulnerable, protected, safe. Being vulnerable (sharing feelings) can also be brave.