WordGarden.iosusceptible
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /səsˈɛptəbəl/
US
- /səˈsɛptəbəl/
Meanings
Adjective
likely to be affected, harmed, or influenced by something
not resistant to a disease, infection, or medical treatment agent
easily influenced, persuaded, or tempted
Beyond the definition
If someone is susceptible to something, like a cold, an idea, or flattery, it means they are easily affected by it. Think of a delicate flower that is easily harmed by frost. Or imagine a friend who is always getting talked into things; they are very open to persuasion.
The word is often used when a person, group, or thing has less resistance than usual. A person with allergies might be susceptible to pollen, and a country going through a hard time could be susceptible to propaganda. It is not always a weakness; sometimes it simply means being more sensitive to certain things.
To be susceptible means to be easily affected by something, whether physically, emotionally, or mentally. It implies a vulnerability or lack of resistance. For example: "Babies are particularly susceptible to infections because their immune systems aren't fully developed." This highlights physical susceptibility – being prone to illness.
But it does not stop there. You can be susceptible to influence, meaning easily persuaded by others. A politician might target voters who are susceptible to fear-based messages. Or someone with low self-esteem could be susceptible to criticism.
The word also carries a nuance of predisposition. Someone might say, "He's susceptible to romantic notions," meaning he naturally leans towards believing in love and grand gestures. This isn't necessarily negative; it simply describes a tendency.
Historically, the term was often used in medical contexts, referring to someone likely to develop a particular disease. However, its use has broadened significantly. Today, you might read about a company susceptible to cyberattacks because of weak security, or an economy susceptible to market fluctuations because it is easily affected by change.
So whether it is a physical illness, emotional pressure, or outside forces, being susceptible means having a greater chance of being affected in a particular way. It is about openness, sensitivity, and the possibility of influence.
Examples
- 1
Illness risk
Young children are more susceptible to colds in winter.
- 2
Plant care
These plants are susceptible to frost, so don't put them outside too early.
- 3
Device damage
Older phones are more susceptible to water damage.
- 4
Medical side effects
Some people are more susceptible to side effects from this medicine.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Peer pressure
Teenagers can be susceptible to peer pressure.
- Phrasepeer pressure
pressure from people your own age to do what they do
- 6
Flattery
He isn't usually susceptible to flattery, so her compliments had no effect.
- Patternsusceptible to flattery
easily influenced by praise
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- susceptible to infection
- susceptible to influence
- highly susceptible
- more susceptible to
Word family
Explore
- risk factor
- vulnerability
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- susceptiblenounadjective
Forms
- susceptiblespluralnounadjective