Vulnerable means able to be easily hurt, harmed, or affected, either physically, emotionally, or socially.
From Late Latin “vulnerabilis,” meaning “wounding,” from Latin “vulnus,” meaning “wound.” The word has always centered on the possibility of being hurt.
Children, the elderly, and marginalized groups are often called vulnerable—not because they’re weak people, but because the world around them is more dangerous. In stories, characters become relatable when they show what makes them vulnerable.
Women and gender minorities have frequently been labeled 'vulnerable' in ways that justify paternalistic control rather than addressing root causes of risk. The term has also been used in policy to group diverse people under a single, often feminized, category of weakness.
Use 'vulnerable' to describe specific exposures to harm, not inherent weakness in a gender or group, and be precise about context (e.g., 'vulnerable to layoffs' or 'vulnerable to online harassment').
["at risk","exposed to harm","susceptible","under-protected"]
Acknowledge that many women have organized precisely from positions labeled 'vulnerable,' building powerful movements for safety, rights, and autonomy.
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