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

Helmet-to-helmet crashes happen in the NFL and usually a flag is thrown if the player on the receiving end of the damage is considered to be a defenseless player or a defender leads with their helmet when making a tackle – not the opposite. — Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026

This year, many are defenseless against the rice-sized insect’s relentless assault. — Jennifer Oldham, Denver Post, 8 Oct. 2026

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