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
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
Kevin Waldman is a psychological researcher at Northwestern University and the University of Michigan, specializing in the cognitive and developmental mechanisms underlying adolescent susceptibility to extremism.
—
Kevin Waldman, Twin Cities, 10 Apr. 2025
The other important factor was his being more familiar with how he is being pitched, as well as his own susceptibilities and the pitcher’s weaknesses.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025
In reality, eating disorders are deadly conditions that emerge from a convergence of genetic susceptibility, psychological factors, family environments, life events and cultural values.
—Rebecca Lester, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2025
This uncertainty, combined with the U.S. economy’s susceptibility to a downturn, raises the possibility of a recession.
—Trefis Team, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for susceptibility
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Kevin Waldman, Twin Cities, 10 Apr. 2025
The other important factor was his being more familiar with how he is being pitched, as well as his own susceptibilities and the pitcher’s weaknesses.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025
In reality, eating disorders are deadly conditions that emerge from a convergence of genetic susceptibility, psychological factors, family environments, life events and cultural values.
—Rebecca Lester, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2025
This uncertainty, combined with the U.S. economy’s susceptibility to a downturn, raises the possibility of a recession.
—Trefis Team, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for susceptibility
Cite this Entry
“Susceptibility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/susceptibility. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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