Origin: Latin suffix -able
Vulnerable has 4 different meanings across 1 category:
susceptible to criticism or persuasion or temptation
"vulnerable to bribery"
"an argument vulnerable to refutation"
More or most likely to be exposed to the chance of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally.
"The elderly population is often more vulnerable to physical harm during severe winter storms."
In plain English: Vulnerable means being easily hurt, attacked, or taken advantage of because you are weak or unprotected.
"The old house is vulnerable to damage from strong winds."
Usage: Use vulnerable to describe anyone at risk of physical harm or emotional hurt due to weakness or lack of protection. This word often applies to situations where someone cannot easily defend themselves against an attack or injury.
The word vulnerable comes from the Late Latin term vulnerābilis, which originally meant "injurious" or "wounding." It entered English through this root to describe something that can be easily hurt.