vulnerable

[[t]vʌ̱lnərəb(ə)l[/t]]

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1) ADJ-GRADED Someone who is vulnerable is weak and without protection, with the result that they are easily hurt physically or emotionally.

Old people are particularly vulnerable members of our society.

Derived words:

vulnerability [[t]vʌ̱lnərəbɪ̱lɪti[/t]] plural N-VAR

David accepts his own vulnerability.

2) ADJ-GRADED: usu v-link ADJ to n If a person, animal, or plant is vulnerable to a disease, they are more likely to get it than other people, animals, or plants.

People with high blood pressure are especially vulnerable to diabetes...

Plants that are growing vigorously are less likely to be vulnerable to disease.

Syn:

prone, susceptible

Derived words:

vulnerability N-UNCOUNT

Taking long-term courses of certain medicines may increase vulnerability to infection.

3) ADJ-GRADED: oft ADJ to n Something that is vulnerable can be easily harmed or affected by something bad.

Their tanks would be vulnerable to attack from the air.

...a table showing which cars are most vulnerable to theft...

Goodyear could be vulnerable in a prolonged economic slump.

Derived words:

vulnerability N-UNCOUNT

...anxieties about the country's vulnerability to invasion.