Vulnerableness

vul·ner·a·ble  (vlnr--bl)

adj.

1.

a. Susceptible to physical or emotional injury.

b. Susceptible to attack: "We are vulnerable both by water and land, without either fleet or army" (Alexander Hamilton).

c. Open to censure or criticism; assailable.

2.

a. Liable to succumb, as to persuasion or temptation.

b. Games In a position to receive greater penalties or bonuses in a hand of bridge. In a rubber, used of the pair of players who score 100 points toward game.

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[Late Latin vulnerbilis, wounding, from Latin vulnerre, to wound, from vulnus, vulner-, wound; see wel- in Indo-European roots.]

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vulner·a·bili·ty, vulner·a·ble·ness n.

vulner·a·bly adv.