Impressionable: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when describing someone who is easily influenced by others, often because of their youth or lack of experience.

• Teenagers can be very impressionable, and marketing often targets them
• She was impressionable and naive when she first came to the big city

Applicable when referring to people who can easily accept and act on suggestions from others, not necessarily implying a lack of experience or youth.

• He found that his patients were highly suggestible under hypnosis
• Children are often suggestible and may believe what they are told without question

Describes a state of being open to harm, emotional wound, or attack, frequently with a focus on sensitive or exposed conditions. Often has a negative connotation.

• After the breakup, he felt extremely vulnerable and couldn't trust anyone
• The financial crisis left many families vulnerable to homelessness

Best used when indicating someone who is likely to be affected by external influences or conditions, including both positive and negative effects.

• People with weak immune systems are more susceptible to infections
• She was very susceptible to flattery, which made her an easy target

Used to describe someone who is easily influenced by others, usually due to lack of experience or maturity.

• 'Teenagers are often impressionable and are likely to follow trends they see on social media.'
• 'She was impressionable and took his advice seriously, even though it was not very good.'

Describes someone who is easily affected by emotions or external stimuli, often in a way that requires careful handling. Can also mean being perceptively aware of others' feelings.

• 'She's too sensitive and takes even the slightest criticism to heart.'
• 'He is sensitive to the needs of his employees, making sure they are comfortable at work.'

Used to describe someone who reacts quickly and positively to a stimulus or suggestion. Often used in a context where quick feedback or adaptability is important.

• 'The new software is very responsive and adapts to user needs immediately.'
• 'He was very responsive to her concerns, addressing them as soon as they were raised.'

Used to describe someone who has a strong emotional attachment to things, memories, or people, often in a nostalgic or tender way.

• 'He is quite sentimental and keeps all his old school reports.'
• 'She cried during the movie because she's very sentimental about family.'