indefensible

[in-di-fen-suh-buhl]

adjective

1. not justifiable; inexcusable.

   indefensible behavior.

2. incapable of being protected or defended against attack.

   an indefensible town.

   Synonyms: unprotected, defenseless, vulnerable

3. incapable of being defended against criticism or denial; untenable.

   indefensible argument.

indefensible

/ ˌɪndɪˈfɛnsəbəl /

adjective

1. not justifiable or excusable

2. capable of being disagreed with; untenable

3. incapable of defence against attack

Other Word Forms

• indefensibility noun
• indefensibleness noun
• indefensibly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of indefensible¹

First recorded in 1520–30; in- ³ + defensible

Example Sentences

It put forward multiple arguments, but among them was that California’s new law was “constitutionally indefensible” and deprived the museum of its due process rights.

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For them, the actions and inactions of the team this year have been indefensible.

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"You either incur the wrath of the Palace, or you look like you are defending the indefensible."

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Satire is meant to embarrass and humiliate, to call out through humor the indefensible.

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Linda makes dozens of bad decisions in “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,” many of them seemingly indefensible until you realize that just how utterly isolated she feels.

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Related Words

• unforgivable 
• unjustifiable 
• untenable