indefensible

/ˌɪndɪˈfensəbl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌɪndɪˈfensəbl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌin-di-ˈfen(t)-sə-bəl/ (ame, mw)

indefensible — adjective

  • indefensiblepositive
  • more indefensiblecomparative
  • most indefensiblesuperlative

1. So seriously wrong or unacceptable that no acceptable reason can be given to sup

1.形容詞B2
釋義

So seriously wrong or unacceptable that no acceptable reason can be given to support or excuse it.

例句

The politician's comments about refugees were widely condemned as morally indefensible.

collocation: morally indefensible

Vikram argued that using child labour in clothing factories is ethically indefensible at every level.

collocation: ethically indefensible

同義詞
  • unjustifiable

    slightly less intense; focuses on lack of good reasons rather than moral condemnation

  • inexcusable

    emphasises that no apology can make the act acceptable

  • unforgivable

    strongest of the three; suggests the damage cannot be repaired

反義詞
  • defensible

    can be supported with good reasons

  • justifiable

    has acceptable grounds that make it right or reasonable

用法筆記

Frequently used with adverbs like morally, ethically, or politically to specify the grounds on which something is unacceptable.

常見錯誤

❌His opinion was indefensible.' (when you mean you simply disagree).
✅His racist remarks were morally indefensible.
💡'indefensible' only fits extreme wrongness, not a difference of opinion.

2. In a position where a place or thing cannot be protected against physical or mil

2.形容詞B2
釋義

In a position where a place or thing cannot be protected against physical or military attack.

例句

The fortress was built on low ground, making it militarily indefensible against modern artillery.

collocation: militarily indefensible

Zahra told the general that without air support their position was strategically indefensible.

collocation: strategically indefensible

同義詞
  • vulnerable

    broader term — can apply to emotional, financial, or physical weakness

  • undefendable

    direct synonym; slightly less common

  • unprotected

    focuses on absence of defences rather than inability to defend

反義詞
  • defensible

    can be successfully protected

  • secure

    safe from attack; the opposite of vulnerable

  • impregnable

    so well fortified that attack is futile

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 1: this sense describes physical vulnerability to attack, not moral wrongness. Frequently used with adverbs like militarily or strategically.

常見錯誤

❌My argument was indefensible.' (when you mean your reasoning was weak).
✅The camp was indefensible because it sat in an open valley.
💡'indefensible' for physical locations requires actual attack risk, not just an academic criticism.