Susceptibilities: meaning, definitions and examples

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susceptibilities

 

[ səˌsɛptəˈbɪlɪtiz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in medical field

The susceptibilities of individuals to various diseases vary based on genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Susceptibilities can also refer to the vulnerability of an organism to a specific pathogen or toxin.

Synonyms

proneness, sensitivities, vulnerabilities.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
susceptibilities

Redundant with the first entry and can be excluded.

vulnerabilities

Refers to weaknesses or areas where one is more likely to be harmed, attacked, or affected. Can be used in both emotional and physical contexts.

  • The security system had several vulnerabilities that hackers exploited
  • Her emotional vulnerabilities made it difficult for her to trust others
sensitivities

Used when referring to heightened reactions to physical, emotional, or situational stimuli. Often implies an awareness or responsiveness.

  • He has food sensitivities that require a special diet
  • Her sensitivities to criticism make it hard for her to receive feedback
proneness

Refers to a natural inclination or tendency to experience something, often used in negative scenarios.

  • There's a proneness to injury among young athletes
  • Her proneness to worry makes it hard for her to relax

Examples of usage

  • Genetic susceptibilities can predispose someone to certain types of cancer.
  • His susceptibility to allergies makes him cautious about pollen exposure.
  • The doctor explained the patient's susceptibilities to infections due to a weakened immune system.
Context #2 | Noun

in emotional context

Susceptibilities can also refer to a person's emotional sensitivity or reactivity. It describes how easily someone is affected or influenced by external factors, such as other people's opinions or actions.

Synonyms

sensitivities, tendencies, vulnerabilities.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
susceptibilities

Often refers to someone's or something's susceptibility to being influenced or harmed, especially in a broader sense including physical, emotional, or metaphorical aspects.

  • In her work, she explores the susceptibilities of humans to social media influence
  • The plant's susceptibilities to pests made it difficult to cultivate
sensitivities

Indicates a higher level of awareness or strong reaction to external stimuli, often used to refer to emotional responses or physical reactions.

  • She has great sensitivities to criticism, which often affects her self-esteem
  • Due to his sensitivities to loud noises, he always wears ear protection at concerts
vulnerabilities

Refers to weaknesses that make someone or something more susceptible to harm, often used with a focus on potential negative impacts or risks.

  • The security audit revealed several vulnerabilities in the company's network
  • Sharing personal stories can sometimes expose personal vulnerabilities
tendencies

Describes a habitual or characteristic situation or behavior, often used in a neutral context to describe general patterns rather than specific vulnerabilities.

  • He has tendencies to procrastinate, especially when faced with challenging tasks
  • The economy shows tendencies towards slow but steady growth

Examples of usage

  • Her susceptibilities to criticism make her hesitant to share her work.
  • His susceptibility to stress leads to frequent anxiety attacks.
  • The novel explores the protagonist's susceptibilities to love and betrayal.

Translations

Translations of the word "susceptibilities" in other languages:

🇵🇹 susceptibilidades

🇮🇳 संवेदनशीलताएँ

🇩🇪 Anfälligkeiten

🇮🇩 kerentanan

🇺🇦 вразливості

🇵🇱 podatności

🇯🇵 感受性

🇫🇷 susceptibilités

🇪🇸 susceptibilidades

🇹🇷 duyarlılıklar

🇰🇷 취약성

🇸🇦 حساسيات

🇨🇿 citlivosti

🇸🇰 citlivosti

🇨🇳 敏感性

🇸🇮 občutljivosti

🇮🇸 áhætta

🇰🇿 сезімталдықтар

🇬🇪 მგრძნობელობები

🇦🇿 həssaslıqlar

🇲🇽 susceptibilidades

Etymology

The word 'susceptibilities' comes from the Latin word 'susceptibilis,' meaning 'capable of receiving or undergoing.' It first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century. The term has been used in various fields, including medicine, psychology, and literature, to describe the state of being prone or vulnerable to certain influences. Understanding susceptibilities is crucial in assessing risks and developing appropriate interventions.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,375, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.