Kwetsbare

Kwetsbare is a Dutch adjective meaning vulnerable or susceptible to harm. It is used to describe people, groups, objects, or systems that are exposed to risk, injury, or damage. In social policy and health discourse, the phrase "kwetsbare groepen" refers to populations at greater risk, such as the elderly, children, people with disabilities, or individuals facing poverty or social exclusion. In security and technology, "kwetsbaar" and the noun "kwetsbaarheden" describe weaknesses in software, hardware, or procedures that could be exploited.

Etymology and related terms: Kwetsbare originates from the verb kwetsen, meaning to wound, combined with the suffix -baar, meaning able to be. The related noun "kwetsbaarheid" denotes vulnerability, and "kwetsbaarheden" is its plural form. Antonyms include robuust, sterk, and bestand tegen.

Usage notes: As an attributive adjective, "kwetsbaar" often takes the -e ending in front of definite or plural nouns, producing forms such as "de kwetsbare groep" or "de kwetsbare mensen." In contexts with an indefinite noun, forms may vary, for example "een kwetsbaar individu." The term is common in policy, healthcare, education, and cybersecurity to signal exposure to risk or harm without implying blame.

See also: Vulnerability, kwetsbaarheid, kwetsbaarheden, وkwetsbaarheid (in other languages contexts).