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A tiny, newly hatched yellow chick stands alone in a wide, open green field under a vast blue sky, emphasizing its fragility and lack of protection.

vulnerable

voo-lneh-RAH-bleh

Adjectivem/fB1
vulnerable?easily harmed, attacked, or influenced
Also:exposed?lacking protection,defenseless?unable to protect oneself

📝 In Action

Los ancianos son un grupo especialmente vulnerable al frío.

B1

Elderly people are a group especially vulnerable to the cold.

El sistema informático resultó ser vulnerable a un ataque sencillo.

B2

The computer system turned out to be vulnerable to a simple attack.

Cuando te enamoras, te sientes muy vulnerable.

B1

When you fall in love, you feel very vulnerable.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • débil (weak)
  • indefenso (defenseless)
  • expuesto (exposed)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • grupo vulnerable – vulnerable group
  • zona vulnerable – vulnerable area
  • ser vulnerable a – to be vulnerable to

💡 Grammar Points

Adjective Agreement (Number)

Since 'vulnerable' ends in '-e', it doesn't change based on whether the noun is masculine or feminine (es: 'la zona vulnerable', 'el grupo vulnerable'). However, you must add an '-s' for plural nouns: 'zonas vulnerables' or 'grupos vulnerables'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using the wrong verb

Mistake: "Estar vulnerable"

Correction: Ser vulnerable. Because vulnerability is usually a defining characteristic or a long-term state, you almost always use 'ser' (to be) instead of 'estar' (to be, temporary state). 'Ella es vulnerable' (She is vulnerable) is correct.

⭐ Usage Tips

Pairing with 'a'

In Spanish, when you say what someone or something is vulnerable to, you use the preposition 'a'. (e.g., 'vulnerable a la crítica' – vulnerable to criticism).

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: vulnerable

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses the plural form of 'vulnerable'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

vulnerabilidad(vulnerability) - noun
vulnerar(to violate/to breach) - verb

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use 'ser' or 'estar' with 'vulnerable'?

You should almost always use 'ser' (to be). Being vulnerable is seen as a fundamental, lasting quality or condition of a person or object, not a temporary mood or state. Example: 'Ella es vulnerable' (She is vulnerable).