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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of defenseless
White warmly greeted the controversial Tate brothers, Andrew and Tristan, at an event in Las Vegas for Power Slap—another combat-sports offering, founded by White in 2022, involving one person striking their defenseless opponent with all their might.
—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
26 May 2026
This was not a case of a fighter taking free shots while defenseless.
—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
If one bomb hit just right, all military communications could go down, leaving the entire country essentially defenseless.
—
Laura Isensee,
Scientific American,
18 May 2026
By contrast, the publication of his translation of Kafka in Italian in the spring of 1983 left him feeling empty, helpless, defenseless.
—
Literary Hub,
13 May 2026
The play was widely denounced after Greig bloodied a defenseless Walker with an uppercut to the face while Walker was held in a headlock by another Senators player.
—
James Mirtle,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
Javier Cabello, founder of the Chiloé Silvestre NGO, has warned that the species’ small size leaves it especially defenseless in these situations — particularly in areas where roads cut through forest habitat.
—
Ryan Brennan,
Sacbee.com,
24 Apr. 2026
Vegas' Mitch Marner skated into the high slot and his shot ricocheted off two Dallas players and landed near Smith, who scored from close range past a defenseless Casey DeSmith.
—
CBS News,
22 Mar. 2026
Rules that protect defenseless players should be followed and enforced to the letter of the law.
—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
11 Mar. 2026
Sean Gregory,
Time,
26 May 2026
This was not a case of a fighter taking free shots while defenseless.
—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
If one bomb hit just right, all military communications could go down, leaving the entire country essentially defenseless.
—
Laura Isensee,
Scientific American,
18 May 2026
By contrast, the publication of his translation of Kafka in Italian in the spring of 1983 left him feeling empty, helpless, defenseless.
—
Literary Hub,
13 May 2026
The play was widely denounced after Greig bloodied a defenseless Walker with an uppercut to the face while Walker was held in a headlock by another Senators player.
—
James Mirtle,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
Javier Cabello, founder of the Chiloé Silvestre NGO, has warned that the species’ small size leaves it especially defenseless in these situations — particularly in areas where roads cut through forest habitat.
—
Ryan Brennan,
Sacbee.com,
24 Apr. 2026
Vegas' Mitch Marner skated into the high slot and his shot ricocheted off two Dallas players and landed near Smith, who scored from close range past a defenseless Casey DeSmith.
—
CBS News,
22 Mar. 2026
Rules that protect defenseless players should be followed and enforced to the letter of the law.
—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
11 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defenseless
Adjective
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The set up leaves California vulnerable to the unpredictable nature of the stock market, dramatic swings in revenue and, in recent years, reliant on poor projections.
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Countries around the Caribbean Sea are vulnerable to major earthquakes because of the tectonic plates in the region.
Adjective
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But when his son Naseer was born in May 2025, Ajas Ahmed had never felt so helpless.
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Over the course of a 60-yard run, Maradona danced past opponents, escaped challenges and left English defenders helpless before beating the goalkeeper with a clinical finish.
Adjective
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Tomatoes are susceptible to numerous diseases and environmental challenges that can impact plant growth and fruit production.
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Wood’s career was derailed by injuries, leading to worries of hard throwers being susceptible to blowing out pitching arms.
Adjective
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If your cat or dog is outdoors and unprotected, fleas hitch a ride and come indoors with them.
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The Celtics’ final offer to the Bucks included 29-year-old five-time NBA All-Star Jaylen Brown and two unprotected first-round picks, according to Charania.
Cite this Entry
“Defenseless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defenseless. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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