VULNERABLE

Pronunciation (US):

• VULNERABLE (adjective)
  The adjective VULNERABLE has 3 senses:

1. susceptible to attack
2. susceptible to criticism or persuasion or temptation
3. capable of being wounded or hurt

  Familiarity information: VULNERABLE used as an adjective is uncommon.

• VULNERABLE (adjective)

Meaning:

Susceptible to attack

Context example:

a vulnerable bridge

Similar:

under attack; under fire (subjected to enemy attack or censure)

threatened ((of flora or fauna) likely in the near future to become endangered)

penetrable (capable of being penetrated)

insecure; unsafe (not safe from attack)

indefensible (not able to be protected against attack)

endangered ((of flora or fauna) in imminent danger of extinction)

defenceless; defenseless (lacking protection or support)

compromising (vulnerable to danger especially of discredit or suspicion)

assailable; open; undefendable; undefended (not defended or capable of being defended)

unguarded (lacking protection or a guard)

Also:

susceptible ((often followed by 'of' or 'to') yielding readily to or capable of)

insecure; unsafe (lacking in security or safety)

dangerous; unsafe (involving or causing danger or risk; liable to hurt or harm)

unprotected (lacking protection or defense)

conquerable (subject to being conquered or overcome)

Antonym:

invulnerable (immune to attack; impregnable)

Meaning:

Susceptible to criticism or persuasion or temptation

Context examples:

vulnerable to bribery / an argument vulnerable to refutation

Similar:

susceptible ((often followed by 'of' or 'to') yielding readily to or capable of)

Meaning:

Capable of being wounded or hurt

Context example:

vulnerable parts of the body

Similar:

weak (having little physical or spiritual strength)