Defenseless: meaning, definitions and examples

Best used to describe a person or thing that is completely unable to protect itself from harm or attack.

• The kitten was defenseless against the aggressive dog
• The village was left defenseless after the guards were attacked

Indicates a state of being open to physical or emotional harm, often used in a relatable and empathetic context.

• Children are vulnerable to many illnesses
• She felt vulnerable after sharing her deepest secrets

Appropriate for describing a person or creature that is unable to take care of itself or act independently, often invoking sympathy.

• The baby bird was helpless without its mother
• In the face of the natural disaster, they felt completely helpless

Suggests a lack of protection or defense, making someone or something susceptible to harm.

• The soldiers were unprotected in the open field
• The documents were left unprotected on the desk

Used when something or someone is unprotected and visible, often to danger or risk.

• The soldiers were exposed to enemy fire
• Without his coat, he felt exposed to the cold

Used to describe something that is not closed or protected, but does not necessarily imply danger.

• She left her diary open on the table
• The store was open to anyone who wanted to enter