vulnerable points

[/ˈvʌlnərəbəl pɔɪnts/]
noun phrase
pontos vulneráveis
1. Areas or aspects that are susceptible to attack, damage, or exploitation; weaknesses in a system, argument, or person's defenses
The security team identified the vulnerable points in the company's network infrastructure.
A equipe de segurança identificou os pontos vulneráveis na infraestrutura de rede da empresa.
2. Specific locations on the human body that are sensitive to injury or pain
In martial arts training, students learn to protect their vulnerable points during combat.
No treinamento de artes marciais, os alunos aprendem a proteger seus pontos vulneráveis durante o combate.
3. Weaknesses in an argument, theory, or strategy that can be challenged or exploited
The lawyer attacked the vulnerable points in the opposing counsel's case.
O advogado atacou os pontos vulneráveis do argumento da parte contrária.
In Brazilian and Portuguese contexts, 'pontos vulneráveis' is widely used in cybersecurity, military strategy, self-defense discussions, and metaphorically in business negotiations. The concept carries similar weight in American English, particularly in security, sports, and strategic planning contexts. The phrase is formal and appropriate for professional settings in both cultures.
NYC Slang
weak spots or soft underbelly
Synonyms / Sinônimos
weak pointssoft spotsAchilles heelsweaknessessusceptibilitiespressure points
Antonyms / Antônimos
strengthsstrong pointsfortified areassecure points

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
pontos vulneráveis
Most common and standard usage across Brazil
São Paulo
pontos fracos
Alternative usage, slightly more informal
General Portuguese
pontos vulneráveis
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; also used in Portugal
Technical/Security Context
falhas de segurança
Used in cybersecurity and IT contexts

Related Words

vulnerabilitysusceptibleweaknessexposureexploitdefensesecurity flawrisk assessment

Related Idioms & Phrases

Achilles' heel
a chink in the armor
the weak link in the chain
where the shoe pinches
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