the vulnerable — (used with 'the' + adjective) people who are easily hurt, harmed, or affected by something, and often need special care or protection (e.g., elderly, disabled, poor)
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: (used with 'the' + adjective) people who are easily hurt, harmed, or affected by something, and often need special care or protection (e.g., elderly, disabled, poor)
Pronunciation (IPA): /ðə ˈvʌlnərəbəl/
Example Sentences
- My cat looks tough, but she's actually the most vulnerable creature when the vacuum cleaner turns on.
- The new welfare policy focuses on protecting the vulnerable, such as the elderly and low-income families.
- During finals week, every student becomes vulnerable to caffeine addiction and existential crises.
the vulnerable
NOUN[/ðə ˈvʌlnərəbəl/]
(used with 'the' + adjective) people who are easily hurt, harmed, or affected by something, and often need special care or protection (e.g., elderly, disabled, poor)
The vulnerable elderly wait in line as volunteers hand out warm blankets and soup.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'vulnus' meaning 'wound', combined with '-abilis' (able to be). Literally means 'able to be wounded'.
Breakdown
vulner- (wound, from Latin vulnus) + -able (capable of being)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My cat looks tough, but she's actually the most vulnerable creature when the vacuum cleaner turns on.”
“The new welfare policy focuses on protecting the vulnerable, such as the elderly and low-income families.”
“During finals week, every student becomes vulnerable to caffeine addiction and existential crises.”
“Local governments must prioritize the vulnerable when distributing emergency relief funds.”
📚Related Words
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