Definitions

vulnerable

[vuhl-ner-uh-buhl] / ˈvʌl nər ə bəl /

ADJECTIVE

open to attack

Synonyms

STRONGEST

accessible defenseless exposed liable ready sensitive susceptible unsafe weak

WEAK

assailable naked on the line on-the-spot out on a limb sitting duck sucker tender thin-skinned unguarded unprotected wide open

Antonyms

STRONGEST

guarded protected safe secure strong unsusceptible

WEAK

closed

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A network of hedgehog tunnels and holes in south-west London is playing a part in helping one of Britain's most vulnerable animals survive in the capital.

From BBC • Jun. 21, 2026

“This is a very narrow, vulnerable target, these 10 to 15 refineries,” said Milov, who is now an opposition politician living abroad.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 20, 2026

Cobalt is a critical ingredient in lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles and energy storage systems, but new research suggests the global cobalt supply chain may be far more vulnerable than previously recognized.

From Science Daily • Jun. 20, 2026

Watching Graham break into tears and whisper, “You really scared me,” is one of the most vulnerable moments I’ve witnessed in the last six months.

From Salon • Jun. 20, 2026

But the swoop of one wing brushed the teetering wreckage of the giant robot pelican suit in a particularly vulnerable spot.

From "Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody" by Patrick Ness

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