German word

anfällig

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈanfɛlɪç/

Meaning

  • adjectiveprone to

Example

Das System ist anfällig für Fehler.

The system is prone to errors.

Illustration for anfällig (prone to)

More examples

Nach dem Update war die Software anfällig für Fehler.

After the update, the software was prone to errors.

Core concept

A weak barrier through which a small outside cause can trigger trouble.

Common phrases

  • anfällig für Fehler

    prone to errors

Similar words

empfindlich: Reacting readily to stimuli or impacts, with a risk of malfunction.
sensibel: Strongly affected by sensory input or emotional experiences.
verwundbar: Lacking protection against harm from attacks, criticism, or outside forces.
empfänglich: Open to outside influences or easily affected by infection.

Definition in German

Empfänglich für äußere Einflüsse; zu Fehlfunktionen oder Erkrankungen neigend.

Word origin

Anfällig is derived from the verb anfallen with the suffix -ig and developed the sense of being liable to be affected.

Usage tips

  • Anfällig normally takes für followed by an accusative noun phrase, as in "anfällig für Fehler" or "anfällig für Krankheiten".

Other meanings

  • susceptible toadjective
  • vulnerable toadjective

Opposites

  • widerstandsfähigresistantadjective

Related words

  • Anfälligkeitsusceptibilitynoun

Word lists with this word