vulnerável
/vuw.neˈɾa.vew/
The English word "vulnerable" is translated into Portuguese as vulnerável.
vulnerável is an adjective used to describe someone or something that is exposed to attack.
Meaning: exposed to attack (adj)
Which one should you use?
While vulnerável is the standard term, you may encounter Suscetível, which is a formal way to convey a sense of susceptibility to harm or Exposto, a formal term used to describe someone or something that is vulnerable or exposed to danger.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express this concept in the plural, use vulneráveis.
How do you pronounce it?
/vuw.neˈɾa.vew/. It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- The Portuguese word vulnerável shares the same Latin root as the word vulnerar, which means 'to wound'. In modern Portuguese, vulnerar is still used specifically in legal contexts to describe a violated right.
- In Brazilian Portuguese, the phrase estou vulnerável can sometimes be used colloquially to mean one is emotionally unstable or easily swayed by a romantic interest.
- While vulnerável is the standard term, in social work and legal contexts in Portugal and Brazil, it is often used as a technical classification for groups lacking basic resources.
Examples in context
- O Tom é vulnerável.Tom is vulnerable.This sentence is useful for showing how to use vulnerável to describe a person.Tatoeba #6959690 by Ricardo14, translation #2236911 by CK
- Eu não me sinto vulnerável.I don't feel vulnerable.This sentence is useful for expressing a feeling of being vulnerável.Tatoeba #5198322 by ajdavidl, translation #5187004 by CK
- Eu me sinto um pouco vulnerável.I feel a little vulnerable.Tatoeba #12339973 by piterkeo, translation #12329724 by CK
- Devemos estar cientes dos grupos vulneráveis em nossa sociedade.We should be aware of vulnerable groups in our society.
- A situação política do país é suscetível a conflitos.The country's political situation is susceptible to conflicts.
- As crianças abandonadas estão expostas a diversos riscos.Abandoned children are vulnerable to various risks.
- Sem o apoio da família, ela se sente desprotegida.Without family support, she feels vulnerable.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Camila and Lucas are discussing home security.
- CamilaA nossa porta está vulnerável.Our door is vulnerable.
- LucasVocê acha que precisamos de um cadeado?Do you think we need a padlock?
- CamilaSim, o sistema atual é vulnerável.Yes, the current system is vulnerable.
- LucasVou comprar um hoje mesmo.I will buy one today.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “vulnerable” translations and entries vulnerável, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
