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Synonyms

defenseless

American  
[di-fens-lis] / dɪˈfɛns lɪs /

adjective

  1. having no defense; lacking in protection, cover, or the means of resisting attack.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“So, I was thoroughly disappointed; the guy was defenseless in the air. I know Steve was trying to block the shot, but the game’s a 25-point game. You don’t do that.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2026

"Fragile is the flesh of defenseless populations, tried by so many wars, ongoing or concluded, leaving behind rubble and open wounds," the pope said at the mass in St Peter's Basilica.

From Barron's • Dec. 25, 2025

International law states that once enemies have been rendered defenseless, they shouldn’t be subject to further attack.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 16, 2025

"This temporary state renders the shark defenseless, allowing the orcas to extract its nutrient-rich liver and likely consume other organs as well, before abandoning the rest of the carcass," explained Higuera.

From Science Daily • Nov. 3, 2025

They would like that They would be happy Because we would be defenseless then.

From "Ceremony:" by Leslie Marmon Silko