1
as in susceptible
being in a situation where one is likely to meet with harm
I'm vulnerable to sunburn whenever I go out in the sun
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in helpless
lacking protection from danger or resistance against attack
vulnerable baby chicks
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of vulnerable
Some experts say people are more vulnerable to job scams during uncertain times like these, when a wave of job cuts draws widespread attention and recession fears make the economy feel increasingly unstable.
—
Anuz Thapa, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2025
In general, logging that focuses on extracting the highest-value trees leaves thinner trees that are more vulnerable to fires.
—Laura Dee, The Conversation, 23 Apr. 2025
In addition to raising prices, this consolidation has allowed firms to shed manufacturing capacity with little consequence—including by switching to narrow, just-in-time supply chains that are highly vulnerable to disruption.
—Michael Brown, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Saving currently endangered species A number of experts say that bringing back extinct animals will not solve any conservation problems and that efforts would be better spent trying to find ways to save current critically endangered or vulnerable species.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vulnerable
Anuz Thapa, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2025
In general, logging that focuses on extracting the highest-value trees leaves thinner trees that are more vulnerable to fires.
—Laura Dee, The Conversation, 23 Apr. 2025
In addition to raising prices, this consolidation has allowed firms to shed manufacturing capacity with little consequence—including by switching to narrow, just-in-time supply chains that are highly vulnerable to disruption.
—Michael Brown, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Saving currently endangered species A number of experts say that bringing back extinct animals will not solve any conservation problems and that efforts would be better spent trying to find ways to save current critically endangered or vulnerable species.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vulnerable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vulnerable
Adjective
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Those who are not vaccinated are susceptible to the disease, Calendar said.—
Robert A. Cronkleton,
Kansas City Star,
17 Apr. 2025
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Bigleaf hydrangeas are susceptible to moisture loss through their large leaves and may require extra irrigation during the heat of summer.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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More generally, some people are concerned that becoming too reliant on AI for menial and routine tasks could lead to us becoming over-reliant and helpless, perhaps even to the detriment of human problem-solving or decision-making ability.—
Bernard Marr,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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Asking for help isn’t the same as being helpless, Pryor noted.—
Megan Sauer,
CNBC,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Companies frequently suffer data breaches, leaking large amounts of sensitive information.—
Vytautas Kaziukonis,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
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According to the air quality index, anything over 100 for pollutants and fine particulates in the air is considered unhealthy, especially for people who are sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants, including children and adults with pre-existing respiratory problems.—
Jon Haworth,
ABC News,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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For now, critics say the public remains uninformed—and potentially unprotected.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Apr. 2025
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This is a standard precaution to prevent other hackers from exploiting the flaw, while some users are still unprotected.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
FOXNews.com,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Top stock picks With oil prices under pressure, UBS sees independent exploration and production firms and the oilfield services companies as the most exposed.—
Spencer Kimball,
CNBC,
15 Apr. 2025
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And, while the ball was mid-air, Zwolle’s attackers were to sprint to the penalty area to meet it on the way down and, ideally, stick it past an exposed goalkeeper.—
Daniel Taylor,
New York Times,
2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Those running agencies for the first time are prone to make beginners’ mistakes, Mr. Foster said.—
Luke Broadwater,
New York Times,
22 Apr. 2025
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At the same time, the vulnerability of U.S. conventional forces creates powerful first-strike incentives for both sides, making minor political crises and military frictions more dangerous and prone to escalation.—
ANDREW S. LIM,
Foreign Affairs,
22 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vulnerable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vulnerable. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
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