ENGLISH
REFERENCE

susceptibility

n. C / U
C1 Advanced US //səˌsɛptəˈbɪɫəti// UK //səsˌɛptɪbˈɪlɪti// sus·cep·ti·bil·i·ty

n. the state of being easily affected, influenced, or harmed by something. If you have a high susceptibility to a cold, you catch it very easily.

n. the state or fact of being likely or liable to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing. Often describes a lack of resistance to a disease or a tendency to be emotionally affected by external factors.


SIMPLE

Her susceptibility to allergies makes spring a difficult season.

CONTEXTUAL

The doctor discussed the patient's genetic susceptibility to heart disease during the annual check-up.

COMPLEX

Researchers are investigating whether certain environmental pollutants increase the susceptibility of local wildlife to viral infections that were previously considered minor threats.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From susceptible + -ity.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the general state of being vulnerable; countable when referring to specific types of vulnerabilities. Often followed by the preposition 'to'.

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