easy
The young plant was vulnerable to frost.
What does Vulnerable mean?
Vulnerable means open to being hurt or affected.
Dictionary definition
Vulnerable means open to being hurt, affected, or harmed because protection or strength is limited.
Example sentences
Vulnerable in a sentence
medium
The character felt vulnerable when sharing a personal story.
hard
A community can be vulnerable during a storm if it lacks safe shelter, supplies, or support.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice vulnerable in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
⬡ Earn 5 Honey
Practice the meaning of Vulnerable
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does vulnerable mean?
Vulnerable means vulnerable means open to being hurt or affected.
Practice 2
Which word is closest in meaning to vulnerable?
Exposed is close in meaning to vulnerable in this entry.
Practice 3
Which word is a useful contrast for vulnerable?
Protected is a useful contrast for vulnerable.
Practice complete
Nice work!
You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
⬡ Earn 5 Honey
Vulnerable
Voice settings
Sounds like
vul · ner · uh · bul · strongest beat: vul
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordVulnerable.
Partadjective.
MeaningVulnerable means open to being hurt or affected.
ExampleExample: The young plant was vulnerable to frost.
Word breakdown
4 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- vul · ner · uh · bul
- Strongest beat
- vul
- Ending
- bul
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on vul.
Your turn
Say Vulnerable
Record a short attempt, then compare it with the Coach. Your recording stays on this device and is not uploaded.
Coach
My attempt
Ready when you are.
Nice work—you practiced vulnerable.
Synonyms
Words like Vulnerable
Antonyms
Opposite words
Synonym practice
Want to practice vulnerable synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The seedling was vulnerable without its cover," then compare close word choices. Practice vulnerable synonyms.
Word family
Vulnerable word family
Base word
vulnerable
noun
vulnerability
The state of being vulnerable.
adverb
vulnerably
In a vulnerable way.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Vulnerable
Hint for students
Vulnerable means open to being hurt or affected. It can describe people, animals, plants, places, or systems needing protection.
Common mix-up
Vulnerable is not the same as weak in a blaming way. It usually points to risk, need, or lack of protection in a situation.
Try it in class or at home
Write one sentence that shows vulnerable without using the word vulnerable. Then underline the clue words that show being open to harm, effect, or risk. Example: The tiny seedling had no cover when the cold wind arrived. Clue words: tiny seedling, no cover, cold wind Now try your own sentence. Ask: Does my sentence show someone or something at risk or needing protection?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "The young plant was vulnerable to frost." Why does vulnerable fit better than protected?
Learning activities
Practice Vulnerable and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice VULNERABLE” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice VULNERABLE
Sentence Builder
Write your own sentence with this word and revise with checklist feedback.
Write a sentence with VULNERABLE
Explore · Spelling
Spell Hive
Hear the word, type the spelling, and use spoken clues when needed.
Practice spelling
Explore · Definitions
Define the Word Hive
Choose the meaning that fits and get instant feedback.
Practice definitions
Explore · Matching
Vocabulary Match
Pair words with meanings and review misses with dictionary links.
Match meanings
Explore · Context
Context Clue Challenge
Use sentence clues to choose the word that fits the meaning.
Use context clues
Practice VULNERABLE
Synonym Search
Compare meanings in a question that includes VULNERABLE.
Practice VULNERABLE
Explore · Scramble
Scrambled Bees
Rebuild words from mixed-up letters for spelling practice.
Rebuild words