vulnerable

Easy to hurt, damage, or attack, physically or emotionally.

• Small children are especially vulnerable.
• The old bridge is vulnerable to storm damage.
• She felt vulnerable after losing her job.

How to use it: vulnerable to something (Young trees are vulnerable to frost.)

Similar words: unprotected, exposed, defenceless

Opposites: protected, invulnerable

Common phrases: vulnerable people, vulnerable to something, feel vulnerable

Willing to show your private feelings, even when doing so feels risky.

• He was vulnerable and honest about his fears.
• Being vulnerable helped them trust each other.
• She allowed herself to be vulnerable during the conversation.

How to use it: vulnerable with someone (She found it hard to be vulnerable with her partner.)

Similar words: open, unguarded

Opposites: guarded

Common phrases: be vulnerable, vulnerable with someone, allow someone vulnerable

At some risk of dying out, but not yet in a more serious danger category.

• This bird is listed as vulnerable.
• Several vulnerable species live in the forest.
• The report classifies the language as vulnerable.

Common phrases: vulnerable species, vulnerable language, classified as vulnerable