defenseless

adjective

Definition of defenselessnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defenseless
  1. vulnerable
  2. helpless
  3. susceptible
  4. unprotected
Adjective
  • The fact is, the bill helps to preserve Medicaid for those who need it most, including low-income families, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
  • But that leaves the intricate energy system vulnerable to shocks.
    — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of vulnerable
Adjective
  • In an America where people my age feel particularly subjugated and helpless, accusing someone else of political and moral impropriety and defending your case with your life can instill in you feelings of reified self-empowerment and control.
    — Ivy Wolk, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Soon Rakowski was firing the ball to a wide-open Flowers for a 43-yard touchdown as two helpless Mira Costa defenders gave pursuit.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of helpless
Adjective
  • Kirshner says most units aren’t susceptible and that the issues appear quickly on units with the defect.
    — Jay Peters, The Verge, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Microwave weapons can address groups of small aircraft, interceptors can physically destroy individual threats, electronic warfare can disrupt susceptible communications, and lasers can interfere with optical sensors.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of susceptible
Adjective
  • This means that unprotected people need to stay home and away from others for 21 days after exposure.
    — Katie Lockwood, STAT, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The students challenge that interpretation, contending that the university has not established that their individual statements constituted legally unprotected threats or caused the level of disruption required to justify punishment.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of unprotected

Browse Nearby Words

defense
defenseless
defenselessness
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Cite this Entry

“Defenseless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defenseless. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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