Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun The state or property of being vulnerable; vulnerableness.

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • noun The quality or state of being vulnerable; vulnerableness.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun uncountable Susceptibility to attack or injury; the state or condition of being weak or poorly defended.
  • noun countable a specific weakness in the protections or defences surrounding someone or something.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun the state of being vulnerable or exposed
  • noun susceptibility to injury or attack

Etymologies

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Examples

  • The increase in vulnerability is far more dramatic in the developing world, where in an average year tens of thousands of people die in weather-related disasters.

    Breaking the Global-Warming Gridlock Daniel Sarewit 2000

  • The increase in vulnerability is far more dramatic in the developing world, where in an average year tens of thousands of people die in weather-related disasters.

    Breaking the Global-Warming Gridlock Daniel Sarewit 2000

  • He concludes, "I believe sometimes our vulnerability is our strength."

    Learning that vulnerability can be a strength BA Haller 2008

  • Well, the Internet messaging system then shut down part of its service after that hacking was discovered because of what it described as a vulnerability in the mobile posting system.

    CNN Transcript Jun 29, 2009 2009

  • As many economists see it, the economy's main long-term vulnerability is the combination of negative government saving — that is, deficits — and low private saving, which together make the United States dependent on foreign capital.

    The New Nixon 2005

  • As many economists see it, the economy's main long-term vulnerability is the combination of negative government saving — that is, deficits — and low private saving, which together make the United States dependent on foreign capital.

    The New Nixon 2005

  • An intensely private and dedicated professional, she was attracted by what she called the vulnerability of the great artist.

    The Guardian World News Michael Coveney 2011

  • An intensely private and dedicated professional, she was attracted by what she called the vulnerability of the great artist.

    The Guardian World News Michael Coveney 2011

  • Your honesty and vulnerability is so beautiful and inspiring.

    We, Who Need Such Great Mysteries | Her Bad Mother 2010

  • Robin's vulnerability is part of his essential character.

    Archive 2009-02-01 2009

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