What does susceptible mean?
Susceptible means likely or easily affected by a particular influence, condition, or risk. The expression is commonly followed by “to”: someone may be susceptible to disease, misinformation, emotional pressure, or persuasion. In technical and formal contexts, it describes a system, material, or group that lacks protection against a specified threat. In descriptions of people, susceptible can also mean emotionally sensitive or easily impressed, especially when referring to influence or flattery. The word is more precise than simply saying that someone is “weak,” because it identifies a particular vulnerability rather than implying a general lack of strength. Its careful, somewhat formal register makes it especially useful in scientific, medical, academic, and analytical writing.
adjectiveLikely or easily affected by something, especially influence, disease, or error. It can also mean emotionally sensitive or easily impressed.
- Likely or easily affected by a particular influence, condition, or harmful factor.
- Emotionally sensitive or easily influenced or impressed.
- Having a tendency or vulnerability toward a specified outcome.
"The seedlings are susceptible to frost damage."
"People who are tired are more susceptible to mistakes."
"She was never particularly susceptible to flattery."
Susceptible describes what is open to outside forces, from disease and persuasion to error and even love.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of susceptible
Susceptible comes from Latin susceptibilis, meaning “able to receive or liable to be affected,” derived from suscipere, “to receive, take upon oneself, or undertake.” English borrowed the form in the early 17th century. Its development reflects the underlying idea of something being open to an external influence, much as susceptibility refers to the condition of being vulnerable to an effect.
Related word forms
How susceptible is actually used
The standard construction is “susceptible to” followed by a noun or gerund. The word is formal and neutral in tone, but it can imply that something is vulnerable or easily affected.
Easily confused with susceptible
Sensitive more often emphasizes emotional responsiveness or sensitivity to stimuli, whereas susceptible emphasizes being likely to be affected or influenced by something.