Spanish Conversation · Level 33
75 words
Spanish word
vulnerable
Pronunciation
IPA/bulneˈɾaβle/
Meaning
- adjectivevulnerable
Example
La economía es vulnerable a las crisis.
The economy is vulnerable to crises.
More examples
Las políticas sociales protegen a las familias vulnerables.
Social policies protect vulnerable families.
Core concept
An unprotected person or thing at risk of harm.
Common phrases
estar vulnerable ante
be vulnerable to
dejar a alguien vulnerable
leave someone vulnerable
en situación vulnerable
in a vulnerable situation
Similar words
expuesto: Exposed to the open environment or public view with nothing shielding it.
desprotegido: Without necessary protection or support, so at risk from preventable dangers.
susceptible: Easily affected by outside influences because of sensitivity or predisposition.
Definition in Spanish
Que es fácil que sufra daño o perjuicio en lo físico, emocional o material por ausencia de protección o por fragilidad.
Word origin
From Latin vulnus 'wound' via vulnerabilis 'able to be wounded', giving the sense of being liable to physical, emotional, or material harm.
Usage tips
- Used with the preposition a (vulnerable a algo), and when applied to people 'eres vulnerable' can sound harsh so speakers often prefer estar vulnerable to mark temporary emotional fragility.
Other meanings
- defenselessadjective
Opposites
- segurosafeadjective
Related words
- vulnerabilidadvulnerabilitynoun