vulnerability

[ vuhl-ner-uh-bil-i-tee ]

noun

1. openness or susceptibility to attack or harm:

   We need to develop bold policies that will reduce the vulnerability of farmers to drought and floods.

2. willingness to show emotion or to allow one’s weaknesses to be seen or known; willingness to risk being emotionally hurt:

   The foundation for open communication consists of honesty, trust, and vulnerability.

3. the condition of needing supportive or protective social services and community resources because of advanced age, poverty, disability, etc.:

   the vulnerability of disabled senior citizens.

4. Biology, Ecology. likeliness to be classified as an endangered species in the near future unless circumstances improve:

   the vulnerability of the giraffe.

Word History and Origins

Origin of vulnerability¹

First recorded in 1800–10; vulnerable ( def ) + -ity ( def )

Related Words

• susceptibility