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

1. not defended or capable of being defended
   • an open city
   • open to attack