as in vulnerable
lacking protection from danger or resistance against attack
the lack of warm clothing left the hikers defenseless against the unexpected cold snap
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Recent Examples of defenseless
Your answer about the defenseless player rule was appreciated.
—
Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 7 Jan. 2026
Teammate Andru Phillips was also hit with a $7,292 fine for a hit on a defenseless player.
—Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025
The top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee describing that second strike as an attack on defenseless survivors, an act that if true would violate international law.
—ABC News, 7 Dec. 2025
Although the killing of two defenseless men left floating in the water during the September strike has created a sensation in the days since the Post’s scoop, the entire military campaign itself is an outrage.
—Susan B. Glasser, New Yorker, 5 Dec. 2025
The Geneva Conventions, which are the core of the law of armed conflict, prohibit targeting civilians or members of the armed forces who are defenseless.
—Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 3 Dec. 2025
Lawmakers have suggested that Hegseth, a former Fox News host, may have committed a war crime by targeting defenseless people.
—Brian Niemietz, Mercury News, 3 Dec. 2025
Giles said the military aspects of the peace plan leave Ukraine effectively defenseless against a future Russian attack.
—Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 22 Nov. 2025
Tua Tagovailoa’s revival will be short-lived against Baltimore’s no-longer-defenseless defense.
—Kevin Cusick, Twin Cities, 29 Oct. 2025
Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 7 Jan. 2026
Teammate Andru Phillips was also hit with a $7,292 fine for a hit on a defenseless player.
—Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025
The top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee describing that second strike as an attack on defenseless survivors, an act that if true would violate international law.
—ABC News, 7 Dec. 2025
Although the killing of two defenseless men left floating in the water during the September strike has created a sensation in the days since the Post’s scoop, the entire military campaign itself is an outrage.
—Susan B. Glasser, New Yorker, 5 Dec. 2025
The Geneva Conventions, which are the core of the law of armed conflict, prohibit targeting civilians or members of the armed forces who are defenseless.
—Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 3 Dec. 2025
Lawmakers have suggested that Hegseth, a former Fox News host, may have committed a war crime by targeting defenseless people.
—Brian Niemietz, Mercury News, 3 Dec. 2025
Giles said the military aspects of the peace plan leave Ukraine effectively defenseless against a future Russian attack.
—Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 22 Nov. 2025
Tua Tagovailoa’s revival will be short-lived against Baltimore’s no-longer-defenseless defense.
—Kevin Cusick, Twin Cities, 29 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defenseless
Adjective
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Democracy is challenged through disinformation Media literacy has been part of the Finnish educational curriculum since the 1990s, and additional courses are available for older adults who might be especially vulnerable to misinformation.—
James Brooks,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Jan. 2026
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Installing barriers like snow fencing protects these vulnerable spots from winter kill, discourages salt and road debris caused by ploughing, and keeps your lawn from becoming bumpy and uneven.—
Barbara Gillette,
The Spruce,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
So little, so helpless, so good.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Jan. 2026
-
Scam reporting is currently fragmented and confusing, leaving victims feeling helpless.—
Caroline Melear,
Oc Register,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The human brain is highly susceptible to often unproductive mind-wandering, and modern technology has only made the problem worse.—
Harvard Business Review,
Harvard Business Review,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Common Pests and Diseases Like all plants, hoyas can be susceptible to pests and diseases.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Although Hall won his third Vezina Trophy — at the time awarded to the goalies on the team that allowed the fewest goals — in 1966-67, the Hawks left him unprotected in the NHL expansion draft, and the Blues pounced.—
Chris Kuc,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Jan. 2026
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That selection is lottery protected in 2027 or otherwise unprotected in 2028.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defenseless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defenseless. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.
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