Another Word for Vulnerable

Mild · A little, in the background

open

You are letting people see more of you than usual, by choice.

unguarded

Your usual defenses are down, often in a relaxed moment.

tender

Emotionally sore and easily touched, like a fresh bruise.

sensitive

Small comments land harder than they normally would.

self-conscious

Aware of being seen and a little uncomfortable about it.

shy

Hesitant to show yourself, especially with new people.

soft

Informal: emotionally open and easily moved right now.

Moderate · Clearly there, hard to ignore

exposed

Others can see something you would usually keep hidden.

raw

Feelings are close to the surface and sting when touched.

fragile

You feel like a small push could break your composure.

unprotected

You lack the support or safety you would normally have.

thin-skinned

Easily hurt by criticism, at least for now.

insecure

Unsure of your footing with someone or in a situation.

laid bare

Everything you feel has been revealed, whether you wanted it or not.

Intense · Strong, taking over

defenseless

You have no way to protect yourself in this moment.

helpless

You cannot change what is happening to you.

powerless

Someone or something else holds all the control.

at someone's mercy

Your safety or wellbeing depends entirely on another person.

brittle

So strained that you could shatter rather than bend.

shaken

Your sense of safety has been knocked loose.

I felt vulnerable telling her the truth.

I felt exposed telling her the truth, like she could see all of it.

Being new in the city made me feel vulnerable.

Being new in the city left me unprotected, with no one to call if something went wrong.

I'm feeling vulnerable today.

I'm feeling tender today, so go easy on me.

Sharing my writing makes me vulnerable.

Sharing my writing leaves me raw for a day or two.

When they yelled I felt vulnerable.

When they yelled I felt powerless to stop it.