C1adjectivehealthpsychology
US/ˈvʌl.nər.ə.bəl/
UK/ˈvʌl.nər.ə.bəl/
easily hurt or harmed, physically or emotionally
In context
Older people are more vulnerable to the flu in winter.
He felt vulnerable after sharing his story with the group.
The new law protects vulnerable children from online abuse.
Words that go with vulnerable
adjective + preposition
- vulnerable toPeople with weak immune systems are vulnerable to infection.
adjective + noun
- vulnerable groupsThe program supports vulnerable groups such as migrant workers.
- vulnerable positionWithout savings, the family was in a very vulnerable position.
adverb + adjective
- particularly vulnerableBabies are particularly vulnerable during heat waves.
- emotionally vulnerableAfter the breakup she felt emotionally vulnerable for months.