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susceptible

When talking about being affected by something negative (like a disease or a feeling), use the preposition "to". For example: "susceptible to the flu." When talking about how something can be interpreted or understood, use the preposition "of". For example: "susceptible of interpretation." In everyday conversation, people often use "vulnerable" as a synonym for the first meaning, but "susceptible" is more common when discussing medical or biological tendencies.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon; Victoria is in a boardroom, David is hiding in the breakroom.
Victoria

Your plan is way too susceptible to market swings. Cut the fluff.

Victoria
David
David

I'll pivot the strategy and touch base with you by EOD.

💡
Victoria uses 'susceptible' to criticize the vulnerability of David's business plan. David responds using corporate jargon ('pivot', 'touch base', 'EOD') to mask his nervousness, reflecting their power dynamic.

Meanings

adjective

Likely or liable to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing.

"Plants are susceptible to frost during the early spring."

adjective

Capable of being interpreted, treated, or modified in a particular way.

"The evidence is susceptible of two different interpretations."

Last Updated: May 22, 2026Report an Error