What does susceptibility mean?
Susceptibility means the condition of being likely or liable to be affected by something. It is used when discussing vulnerabilities or predispositions, as in susceptibility to infection, disease, stress, influence, or extreme weather. The word often has a somewhat negative connotation because it suggests that a person, material, or system may be harmed or strongly influenced under certain conditions. However, it can also be neutral or positive when the influence is beneficial, such as a susceptibility to treatment or new ideas. Susceptibility is more formal than a simple reference to being “open to” something and more specific than the broad word vulnerability, since it often identifies a particular weakness or tendency. In medicine and science, it describes an increased likelihood of developing a condition or responding in a particular way.
nounThe state of being likely or liable to be affected by something, especially harm, disease, pressure, or external influence. It can also refer to a particular weakness or vulnerability that makes someone or something open to such effects.
- The condition of being likely or liable to be affected by a particular influence, harm, disease, or circumstance.
- A weakness or vulnerability that makes someone or something open to a particular effect.
"The researchers found a genetic susceptibility to the disease."
"Lack of sleep can increase a person's susceptibility to stress."
"The report warns of the susceptibility of the old bridge to damage from extreme weather."
The standard plural is susceptibilities, although the singular form is more common in general use.
"The study identified different susceptibilities to heat and drought."
Susceptibility comes from the same Latin root as “susceptible”: something susceptible is, quite literally, able to receive what may affect it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does susceptibility come from?
Susceptibility entered English through French susceptibilité, which was based on Latin susceptibilitas, a noun derived from suscipere. The Latin verb means “to take up,” “receive,” or “undertake,” reflecting the idea of being open to an influence or effect. Related English words include susceptible, susceptive, and the older noun susception.
How susceptibility is actually used
Susceptibility is generally formal and is especially common in medical, scientific, and analytical contexts. It usually implies a possibility or predisposition to be affected, often by something undesirable, but it can also describe openness to beneficial influences.
Easily confused with susceptibility
Susceptibility emphasizes the likelihood of being affected or harmed, whereas sensitivity emphasizes responsiveness, emotional reactivity, or the ability to detect subtle changes.