susceptibility

noun

sus·​cep·​ti·​bil·​i·​ty sə-ˌsep-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

plural susceptibilities

1

: the quality or state of being susceptible

especially : lack of ability to resist some extraneous agent (such as a pathogen or drug) : sensitivity

2

a

: a susceptible temperament or constitution

b

susceptibilities plural : feelings, sensibilities

3

a

: the ratio of the magnetization in a substance to the corresponding magnetizing force

b

: the ratio of the electric polarization to the electric intensity in a polarized dielectric

Synonyms

• defenselessness
• vulnerability
• weakness

Examples of susceptibility in a Sentence

A weak immune system causes increased susceptibility to disease.

his aunt's unfortunate susceptibility to viruses meant she was nearly always sick

Recent Examples on the Web

The age of the chicken, geographic region and relation to migrant bird flyways can affect its susceptibility to avian influenza, Super said. —Sareen Habeshian, Axios, 8 Feb. 2025

Speaking of Neanderthals, another trait in modern humans may be linked to their DNA in our own genomes: susceptibility to autism. —Ryan McRae, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Dec. 2024

These high rates are partly due to the state's susceptibility to hurricanes. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024

Review all devices, systems, platforms and vendors to assess data sensitivity, asset lifetime and attack susceptibility. —Anand Oswal, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1644, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

susceptibility

noun

sus·​cep·​ti·​bil·​i·​ty sə-ˌsep-tə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

plural susceptibilities

1

: the quality or state of being susceptible

especially : lack of ability to resist some outside agent (as a disease-causing germ or drug)

2

a

: a susceptible disposition or nature

b

plural : one's emotional state : feelings

Medical Definition

susceptibility

noun

sus·​cep·​ti·​bil·​i·​ty sə-ˌsep-tə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

plural susceptibilities

1

: the quality or state of being susceptible : the state of being predisposed to, sensitive to, or of lacking the ability to resist something (as a pathogen, familial disease, or a drug) : sensitivity

2

a

: the ratio of the magnetization in a substance to the corresponding magnetizing force see paramagnetic

b

: the ratio of the electric polarization to the electric intensity in a polarized dielectric