indefensible

adjective

in·​de·​fen·​si·​ble ˌin-di-ˈfen(t)-sə-bəl 

1

a

: incapable of being maintained as right or valid : untenable

an indefensible argument

b

: incapable of being justified or excused : inexcusable

indefensible comments

2

: incapable of being protected against physical attack

indefensibility

ˌin-di-ˌfen(t)-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

indefensibly

ˌin-di-ˈfen(t)-sə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms of indefensible

• unacceptable
• unjustifiable
• inexcusable
• outrageous
• insupportable
• unforgivable
• unpardonable
• unwarrantable
• vicious

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

Some philosophers and activists advocate for pet abolition, arguing that treating any animals as property is ethically indefensible. —Margret Grebowicz, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2026

Two of the most talked about these days are the indefensible actions of ICE and the attempt of this government to take over the arts in this country. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 8 Feb. 2026

The collective rejection of ICE’s brutal and indefensible assault on Minneapolis is part of a larger wave of solidarity against the federal government. —James Folta, Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026

But by the late 1950s, ICBMs emerged – and these deadly intercontinental ballistic missiles presented North America with a more insidious (and for a long time, indefensible) threat. —Barry Scott Zellen, Hartford Courant, 22 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1529, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for indefensible

• compensable
• condensable
• defensible
• dispensable
• extensible
• insensible
• ostensible
• comprehensible
• indispensable
• reprehensible
• supersensible
• incomprehensible

Kids Definition

indefensible

adjective

in·​de·​fen·​si·​ble ˌin-di-ˈfen(t)-sə-bəl 

: impossible to defend

an indefensible position