defenseless

/dɪˈfensləs/ (bre, ipa) · /dɪˈfensləs/ (ame, ipa) · /-lə̇s/ (ame, mw)

defenseless — adjective

  • defenselesspositive
  • more defenselesscomparative
  • most defenselesssuperlative

1. having no ability to protect yourself from harm, danger, or unfair treatment — l

1.形容詞B1
釋義

having no ability to protect yourself from harm, danger, or unfair treatment — like a child alone in a bad situation or a country without an armed force to fight back.

例句

The small kitten looked completely defenseless against the angry dog in the yard.

collocation: completely defenseless

Omar felt defenseless when the older boys took his bag and ran away.

同義詞
  • helpless

    closer in meaning, focusing on inability to act effectively; defenseless stresses the lack of protection specifically

  • vulnerable

    broader — can be used for emotional or reputational risk, not just physical harm

  • unprotected

    more concrete, often refers to missing physical cover or safety equipment

  • exposed

    suggests being in an open position where threats can reach you easily

反義詞
  • protected

    having some form of safety or defense in place

  • armed

    specifically describes having weapons for physical self-defense

用法筆記

Often used with the preposition 'against' to name the threat. Also common in the construction 'leave someone defenseless'.

常見錯誤

❌The baby is defenseless to get sick.
✅The baby is defenseless against illness.
💡The correct preposition after defenseless is 'against,' not 'to.'