Conceptual frameworks offer meaning to definitions so that they can be analysed, thus, definitions of vulnerability should not be confused with conceptual frameworks. This paper assesses the various components of vulnerability and accentuates the importance of adaptive capacity in vulnerability analysis. It advocates for the use of the multi-dimensional, integrated and holistic vulnerability conceptual frameworks which should include but not be limited to the components of exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity or resilience. These components are often influenced by socio-economic, political, technological, institutional and environmental factors. This paper argues that having a multi-dimensional, dynamic and integrated framework will make it more practical to find out the current and future vulnerabilities, for short and long-term adaptation mechanisms to be adopted in different communities and socio-ecological systems.