Indefensible: meaning, definitions and examples

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indefensible

[ˌɪn.dɪˈfensəbl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in a legal context

Not justifiable by argument, not capable of being defended.

Synonyms

inexcusable, unjustifiable, unwarranted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
indefensible	Use when something cannot be justified or defended, often in a logical or moral sense. His actions during the meeting were indefensible
unjustifiable	Use when something cannot be supported by any reason or argument, often in a strict or formal sense. The company's decision to cut health benefits is unjustifiable
unwarranted	Use when something is not justified or necessary, often implying that it is unnecessary or overreacting. The police used unwarranted force during the arrest
inexcusable	Use when referring to behavior or actions that cannot be forgiven or are deeply wrong. It often carries a strong negative connotation. Leaving your child alone in the car is inexcusable

Examples of usage

It was an indefensible decision to fire the employee without any prior warning.
The lawyer argued that the actions of the defendant were indefensible in the court of law.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

in a moral context

Impossible to justify or excuse.

Synonyms

blameworthy, reprehensible, unforgivable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
indefensible	Used when describing actions or positions that cannot be justified or supported because they are completely wrong or unacceptable. His argument was indefensible from a moral standpoint. The company's environmental practices are indefensible.
unforgivable	Used to describe actions that are so severe or terrible that they cannot be forgiven. His betrayal was unforgivable. The crime he committed was truly unforgivable.
blameworthy	Used to refer to someone or something deserving of blame because of their actions or decisions. Leaving the door unlocked in a dangerous neighborhood was blameworthy. The manager's failings in protecting employee data were clearly blameworthy.
reprehensible	Used for actions or behaviors that are morally wrong and elicit strong disapproval or condemnation. His dishonesty was reprehensible. The company's reprehensible disregard for safety standards led to the accident.

Examples of usage

The actions of the dictator were universally considered indefensible by the international community.
His behavior towards his colleagues was indefensible and led to his isolation in the workplace.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the prefix 'in-' meaning 'not,' and 'defensible,' which is derived from the Latin 'defendere,' meaning 'to defend.'
It first appeared in English around the late 1600s, mainly used in legal contexts.

Cultural References

In literature, characters often face actions that others deem indefensible, creating dramatic tension within the story.
The term is frequently used in debates about ethical dilemmas, highlighting actions that society cannot support.

Psychology

Feelings of indefensibility often stem from a lack of support or validation, leading to increased anxiety and stress.
People may rationalize indefensible actions to cope with guilt or societal judgment.

Legal Context

In law, a case can be called indefensible if there is insufficient evidence or moral reasoning to support it in a court of law.
Public defenders often encounter cases that appear indefensible due to the overwhelming evidence against clients.

Media

Indefensible actions by public figures often lead to media scrutiny, highlighting societal standards for behavior and accountability.
Documentaries often explore real-life indefensible situations, challenging viewers to reflect on morality and justice.

Translations

Translations of the word "indefensible" in other languages:

🇵🇹 indefensável

🇮🇳 अप्रतिरक्षित

🇩🇪 unverteidigbar

🇮🇩 tak terbela

🇺🇦 незахищений

🇵🇱 nie do obrony

🇯🇵 弁護できない

🇫🇷 indéfendable

🇪🇸 indefendible

🇹🇷 savunulamaz

🇰🇷 변호할 수 없는

🇸🇦 غير قابل للدفاع

🇨🇿 neobhajitelný

🇸🇰 neobhájiteľný

🇨🇳 无法辩护的

🇸🇮 neobramben

🇮🇸 óverjandi

🇰🇿 қорғауға келмейтін

🇬🇪 დაუცველი

🇦🇿 müdafiə olunmaz

🇲🇽 indefendible

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,717, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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21714 imperishable
21715 asthmatic
21716 cannibalism
21717 indefensible
21718 hacked
21719 neutrophil
21720 epilogue
...