susceptibility

noun

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

Synonyms of susceptibility

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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.
Operation Spider’s Web was a spectacular success for Ukrainian forces—and a chilling reminder of the United States’ susceptibility to a similar attack. — Seth G. Jones, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 2026 More fertilizer will likely bring about a higher quality lawn, but along with that carpet-like appearance comes higher water demands, more mowing, and in some cases, a greater susceptibility to pests and diseases. — Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 2026 The new approach instead attempts to exploit the different chemical susceptibilities of the polymers. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026 As a result, our susceptibility to fake news, misinformation, and consumeristic sales pitches increases. — Big Think, 21 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for susceptibility

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Browse Nearby Words

susceptance
susceptibility
susceptible
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Cite this Entry

“Susceptibility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/susceptibility. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about susceptibility

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