Vulnerability

Definition

Vulnerability refers to the quality or state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌvʌlnəˈræbɪlɪti/
• Respelling: vul-nuh-RAB-uh-luh-tee

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌvʌlnəˈræbɪlɪti/
• Respelling: vul-nuh-RAB-uh-luh-tee

In both American and British English, "vulnerability" is pronounced with the stress on the third syllable ("RAB"). It features a short "u" sound as in "cup" in the first syllable, followed by "nuh," then the stressed "RAB," and ending with "uh-luh-tee." The pronunciation is essentially the same in both versions of English.

Etymology

The term "vulnerability" comes from the Latin word "vulnerabilis", which means "wounding" or "harming". It is derived from the Latin "vulnus", which means "wound".

Derivatives

• Vulnerable
• Vulnerably
• Vulnerability assessment
• Vulnerability index
• Vulnerability scanning

Synonyms

• Susceptibility
• Exposure
• Weakness

Antonyms

• Resilience
• Immunity
• Fortitude

Usage

Vulnerability can refer to a person's emotional state, making them prone to being hurt emotionally, or it can refer to a system or network's weak point, which can be exploited by threats.

Related Terms

• Exploit
• Risk
• Fragility
• Threat
• Security

Detailed Definition

Noun

• The state of being susceptible to harm, injury, or negative impacts. This can refer to emotional, physical, or systematic threats.‍
• Example: The city's vulnerability to flooding became apparent after the heavy rains.

• A specific weakness in a system or structure that can be exploited or attacked.‍
• Example: The company's cybersecurity team identified several vulnerabilities in the software.

• A personal disposition that makes one more likely to experience emotional pain or distress.‍
• Example: His vulnerability was evident when he spoke about his childhood.