vulnerable people

[/ˈvʌlnərəbl ˈpiːpl/]
noun phrasepl: vulnerable people (same form)
pessoas vulneráveis
1. individuals or groups who are susceptible to harm, exploitation, or adverse effects due to their circumstances, lack of resources, or social marginalization
The government implemented new policies to protect vulnerable people during the pandemic.
O governo implementou novas políticas para proteger as pessoas vulneráveis durante a pandemia.
2. those lacking the ability to defend themselves or access adequate support systems
Vulnerable people in rural areas often lack access to quality healthcare.
Pessoas vulneráveis em áreas rurais frequentemente não têm acesso a cuidados de saúde de qualidade.
3. populations at heightened risk due to age, disability, poverty, or discrimination
NGOs work to assist vulnerable people affected by homelessness and addiction.
ONGs trabalham para auxiliar pessoas vulneráveis afetadas por falta de moradia e dependência de drogas.
In Brazil and Portugal, 'pessoas vulneráveis' is a widely recognized term in social policy, healthcare, and development work. It reflects growing attention to social inequality and human rights. The term is commonly used by government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations working on social protection, education access, and healthcare equity. In the USA, similar terminology is used in government documents and social services, though alternative terms like 'underserved populations' or 'at-risk groups' may be preferred in different contexts.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
disadvantaged peopleat-risk groupsmarginalized communitiesunderprivileged individualsat-risk populations
Antonyms / Antônimos
privileged peopleadvantaged groupsempowered individuals

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
pessoas vulneráveis
standard term used in government, social work, and NGO contexts
Rio de Janeiro
pessoas vulneráveis / grupos de risco
may also use 'grupos de risco' in casual speech
São Paulo
pessoas vulneráveis / populações vulneradas
formal usage in policy documents and social programs
Portugal
pessoas vulneráveis / grupos vulneráveis
same as Brazilian usage; widely used in EU social policy contexts

Related Words

vulnerabilitysocial exclusionmarginalizationpovertydiscriminationprotectionwelfare

Related Idioms & Phrases

at-risk population
socially marginalized groups
those living on the margins
underserved communities
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