susceptibility

noun

sus·​cep·​ti·​bil·​i·​ty sə-ˌsep-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce susceptibility (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
However, investors should remain cautious about Monarch’s historical susceptibility during economic downturns, as the stock has demonstrated considerable drawdowns in previous crises. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025 Peter Zay | Anadolu | Getty Images The Natural State's susceptibility to severe weather — like a spring tornado outbreak in 2023, the most recent full year of grid reliability data available — is not helping the Arkansas grid's already spotty record. Scott Cohn, CNBC, 18 July 2025 The psychology behind our susceptibility to nostalgia marketing runs deeper than simple sentimentality. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 14 July 2025 Game theorists refer to the resulting pockets of low vaccine uptake as susceptibility clusters. Avi Dor, The Conversation, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for susceptibility

Word History

First Known Use

1644, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of susceptibility was in 1644

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Susceptibility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/susceptibility. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

susceptibility

noun
sus·​cep·​ti·​bil·​i·​ty sə-ˌsep-tə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce susceptibility (audio)
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 How to pronounce susceptibility (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on susceptibility

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