indefensible
Americanadjective
-
not justifiable; inexcusable.
indefensible behavior.
-
incapable of being protected or defended against attack.
an indefensible town.
- Synonyms:
- unprotected, defenseless, vulnerable
-
incapable of being defended against criticism or denial; untenable.
indefensible argument.
adjective
-
not justifiable or excusable
-
capable of being disagreed with; untenable
-
incapable of defence against attack
Other Word Forms
- indefensibility noun
- indefensibleness noun
- indefensibly adverb
Etymology
Origin of indefensible
First recorded in 1520–30; in- 3 + defensible
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.
"Any war fought without limits is incompatible with the law. It is indefensible, inhumane and devastating for entire populations."
From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026
If she weren’t such an indefensible character, Bondi’s efforts to save her job would be sad.
From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026
"Delaying reporting a case is indefensible," said Prof Paul Hunter, an expert in infectious disease at the University of East Anglia.
From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026
The UFW and Cesar Chavez Foundation were wise to not try to defend the indefensible in their statements and instead consider any victims first before deciding how to decide what’s next for them.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026
Ignoring the poor, Jim and Paul believed, was also morally indefensible, and the world was beginning to recognize that.
From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
