undefendable
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective: 1. Not capable of being defended or protected: Describes a position, place, argument, or statement that is vulnerable to attack, criticism, or refutation and cannot be successfully maintained or justified.
Usage
The adjective "undefendable" is used to describe something that lacks a valid defense or protection. It often implies a clear weakness or flaw. * It is typically used before a noun or after a linking verb like "is," "was," or "seems." * It describes physical positions (like a military location), abstract positions (like an argument in a debate), or moral/ethical stances.
Examples
- Before a noun:
- The general abandoned the undefendable outpost.
- He made an undefendable claim that was quickly disproven.
- After a linking verb:
- From a moral standpoint, his actions were undefendable.
- The castle's position on the plain was undefendable against cannon fire.
- Her argument became undefendable after new evidence emerged.
Advanced Usage
- Logical/Moral Context: Often used in debates, ethics, and law to describe a position that has no reasonable justification.
- The policy of discrimination is logically and morally undefendable.
Variants and Related Words
- Indefensible (adjective): This is a more common synonym with identical meaning. ("Indefensible" is used more frequently than "undefendable.")
- Defendable (adjective): The direct opposite, meaning capable of being defended.
- Defensible (adjective): Capable of being defended or justified.
- Unjustifiable (adjective): Cannot be shown to be right or reasonable (focuses more on the lack of justification than vulnerability to attack).
- Untenable (adjective): (Of a position, theory, etc.) not able to be maintained or defended against attack or objection. A very close synonym.
Synonyms
- Indefensible
- Untenable
- Unjustifiable
- Unprotected
- Vulnerable
- Inexcusable
Related Phrases
- Open to attack: A descriptive phrase with a similar meaning, emphasizing vulnerability.
- The theory is open to attack on several fronts.
- Cannot be defended: A verb phrase conveying the same core idea.
- A fortress in that location cannot be defended.
Adjective
- not defended or capable of being defended
- an open city
- open to attack