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vulnerability

noun/ˌvʌlnɚəˈbɪləti/

definition

the quality or state of being exposed to the possibility of harm or attack

example

The vulnerability of the outdated software made the system an easy target for cyber attacks.

synonyms
susceptibilityexposureweakness
word origin — from Latin 'vulnerabilis', from 'vulnerare' meaning 'to wound'

IELTS Vocabulary — Set 87

Set 87 of IELTS Vocabulary covers 5 words: vulnerability, avenue, nurturing, ease, adjustment. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. vulnerability · noun/ˌvʌlnɚəˈbɪləti/

    the quality or state of being exposed to the possibility of harm or attack

    The vulnerability of the outdated software made the system an easy target for cyber attacks.

    Synonyms: susceptibility, exposure, weakness

    Origin: from Latin 'vulnerabilis', from 'vulnerare' meaning 'to wound'

  2. avenue · noun/ˈæv.ə.nuː/

    a broad road in a city or town or a way of approaching a problem or making a decision

    The children ran excitedly down the wide avenue lined with trees, enjoying the fresh air and sunshine.

    Synonyms: street, boulevard, thoroughfare

    Origin: from Middle French 'avenue', meaning 'a way, a path', derived from the verb 'avenue', meaning 'to come to' or 'to arrive'.

  3. nurturing · noun/ˈnɜr.tʃər.ɪŋ/

    the process of caring for and encouraging the growth or development of someone or something

    The nurturing environment provided by the teachers allowed the students to flourish academically and emotionally.

    Synonyms: caring, fostering, cultivation

    Origin: From Middle English 'nurturen', from Old French 'nortir', from Latin 'nutrire' meaning 'to nourish'.

  4. ease · noun/iːz/

    freedom from difficulty or discomfort

    She felt a great sense of ease as she relaxed by the ocean, free from the stresses of her daily life.

    Synonyms: relaxation, comfort, tranquility

    Origin: Middle English 'ese', from Old French 'aise', from Latin 'aisus', meaning 'to be at ease'

  5. adjustment · noun/əˈdʒʌst.mənt/

    the action or process of making something different or the state of being altered

    The adjustment of the budget was necessary to accommodate the unexpected expenses.

    Synonyms: modification, alteration, change

    Origin: from Old French 'ajustement', from the verb 'ajuster', based on Latin 'ad-' (to) + 'justus' (just).