indefensible

adjective

in·​de·​fen·​si·​ble ˌin-di-ˈfen(t)-sə-bəl How to pronounce indefensible (audio)
1
a
: incapable of being maintained as right or valid : untenable
b
: incapable of being justified or excused : inexcusable
indefensible comments
2
: incapable of being protected against physical attack
indefensibly adverb

Examples of indefensible in a Sentence

The company adopted an indefensible position on the issue. His behavior is ethically indefensible. The city is in an indefensible location.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One area Lue isn’t too concerned with is the second unit, where backup center Brook Lopez and power forward John Collins have forged a nearly indefensible tandem. Janis Carr, Oc Register, 16 Oct. 2025 The Broncos have allowed two 70-yard-plus kick returns, committed an indefensible leverage infraction on a 60-yard field goal, fumbled a punt and clanked a field goal. Troy Renck, Denver Post, 12 Oct. 2025 Along with the $8 million Redwood Marine Terminal, Humboldt was the most indefensible of any offshore wind power proposal yet conceived. Craig Rucker, Boston Herald, 26 Sep. 2025 But to take your best friend's Holocaust survival story and pass it off as your own for quite some time seems indefensible. Dina Kaur, AZCentral.com, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for indefensible

Word History

First Known Use

1529, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of indefensible was in 1529

Cite this Entry

“Indefensible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indefensible. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

indefensible

adjective
in·​de·​fen·​si·​ble ˌin-di-ˈfen(t)-sə-bəl How to pronounce indefensible (audio)
: impossible to defend
an indefensible position

More from Merriam-Webster on indefensible

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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