vulnerable

adjective vul·ner·a·ble \ˈvəl-n(ə-)rə-bəl, ˈvəl-nər-bəl\

: easily hurt or harmed physically, mentally, or emotionally

: open to attack, harm, or damage

Full Definition of VULNERABLE

: capable of being physically or emotionally wounded

: open to attack or damage : assailable <vulnerable to criticism>

: liable to increased penalties but entitled to increased bonuses after winning a game in contract bridge

— vul·ner·a·bil·i·ty \ˌvəl-n(ə-)rə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— vul·ner·a·ble·ness \ˈvəl-n(ə-)rə-bəl-nəs, ˈvəl-nər-bəl-\ noun

— vul·ner·a·bly \-blē\ adverb

See vulnerable defined for English-language learners

See vulnerable defined for kids

Origin of VULNERABLE

Late Latin vulnerabilis, from Latin vulnerare to wound, from vulner-, vulnus wound; probably akin to Latin vellere to pluck, Greek oulē wound

First Known Use: 1605

Related to VULNERABLE

Synonyms: endangered, exposed, open, sensitive, subject (to), susceptible, liable

Antonyms: insusceptible, invulnerable, unexposed, unsusceptible

VULNERABLE Defined for Kids

vulnerable

adjective vul·ner·a·ble \ˈvəl-nə-rə-bəl\

Definition of VULNERABLE for Kids

: capable of being easily hurt or injured <The patient is vulnerable to infection.>

: open to attack or damage <The troops were in a vulnerable position.>

Medical Dictionary

vulnerable

adjective vul·ner·a·ble \ˈvəln-(ə-)rə-bəl, ˈvəl-nər-bəl\

Medical Definition of VULNERABLE

: capable of being hurt : susceptible to injury or disease <the liver is itself vulnerable to nutritional impairment—Journal of the American Medical Association>