indefensible
Americanadjective
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not justifiable; inexcusable.
indefensible behavior.
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incapable of being protected or defended against attack.
an indefensible town.
- Synonyms:
- unprotected, defenseless, vulnerable
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incapable of being defended against criticism or denial; untenable.
indefensible argument.
adjective
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not justifiable or excusable
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capable of being disagreed with; untenable
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incapable of defence against attack
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of indefensible
First recorded in 1520–30; in- 3 + defensible
Explanation
Something that's indefensible is inexcusable — there's no way to justify it. It's indefensible to take candy from a baby, or to give candy TO a baby, for that matter. Indefensible behavior is just plain terrible, and it can't be explained away. It's indefensible, for example, or for one country to drop a bomb on innocent civilians in another country. Indefensible, "not able to be defended," comes from in-, "not," plus the Latin defendere and its sense of "allege in defense."
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.
In Chicago, where so many students are already missing school, it’s particularly indefensible.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026
Rosenior described the performance as "indefensible" and "unacceptable" after facing angry chants from Chelsea's travelling supporters on the south coast.
From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026
"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
The firm shunned those who came seeking a defense of indefensible behavior, which was common enough in the unprincipled corridors of the financial district.
From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik
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.
