Phonetic symbols

capable of being physically or emotionally wounded or hurt

Root-based analysis

The word 'vulnerable' comes from the Latin 'vulnus' meaning 'wound', combined with the suffix '-er' to form an agent noun, and '-able' indicating capability or susceptibility.

• vulnfrom Latin 'vulnus' meaning 'wound'
• -ersuffix used to form agent nouns
• -ablesuffix meaning 'capable of, susceptible of, fit for, tending to, given to'

Examples

• vulnerabilitythe quality or state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally
• invulnerableincapable of being wounded, hurt, or damaged

Practice

• durableable to withstand wear, pressure, or damage; hard-wearing
• comfortableproviding physical ease and relaxation

Make a sentence

• Children are the most vulnerable members of our society.
• The system is vulnerable to attacks from hackers.
• Her argument left him feeling vulnerable and exposed.