Synonyms of defenseless

defenseless

adjective

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• vulnerable
• helpless
• susceptible
• unprotected
• undefended
• exposed
• unarmed
• unguarded
• unresistant
• passive
• indefensible
• unsafe
• in the lurch
• untenable
• weak
• feeble
• overcome
• uncovered
• disarmed
• abandoned
• preyed (on or upon)
• frail
• resistless
• high and dry
• marooned

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• protected
• resistant
• armed
• safe
• sheltered
• defensible
• secure
• invulnerable
• covered
• armored
• fortified
• shielded
• immune
• guarded
• strong
• invincible
• screened
• impenetrable
• impregnable
• omnipotent
• unassailable
• unconquerable
• unbeatable
• almighty

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of defenseless

That's why starting this season, a one-game suspension will be given to any player who accumulates penalties from three specific moves — hip drop tackle, horse collar tackle, launching, hit on a defenseless player, and a blindside block. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 10 Sep. 2026

He is being investigated over allegations of abuse of a defenseless or impaired person resulting in death, an offense carrying a potential sentence of 10 to 20 years in prison or life. — Saskya Vandoorne, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026

Everyone on all sides feels deeply for little Cora, Dawson, and Callan – three defenseless children who stood no chance. — Wendy Murphy, Boston Herald, 7 Sep. 2026

Of course, later on, Georgia and I will laugh about Kevin, along with every other defenseless man in the universe. — Literary Hub, 17 Aug. 2026

In the face of new attack vectors, cargo ships are completely defenseless. — Craig Hooper, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Worse, during removal, structures requiring dampers are essentially as defenseless against even normal winds as a car without brakes. — New Atlas, 24 July 2026

Legal battles can discourage farmers Mora said the years-long litigation has left him feeling frustrated and defenseless. — Claire Rush, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026

Scheffler, thanks to a birdie barrage on a soft, defenseless golf course, needed two more at the 17th and 18th to equal Furyk’s 12-under 58. — Nick Pietruszkiewicz, Hartford Courant, 26 June 2026