defenselessness

noun

as in vulnerability
the quality or state of having little resistance to some outside agent our utter defenselessness against the rising floodwaters quickly became apparent

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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 defenselessness The fragile defenselessness of the proud has proven mesmerizing. — Lo Patrick, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defenselessness
vulnerability
Noun
  • More than an intricate game of cat-and-mouse, the crime drama plays on the tensions between nature and nurture while unpacking the dangers and vulnerabilities that come with loving other people.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 15 July 2026
  • Industries and critical infrastructure are racing to catch up with new AI models with increasingly advanced abilities that can find and exploit (but also defend against) cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
    — Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
Definition of vulnerability

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defenseless
defenselessness
defenses
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Cite this Entry

“Defenselessness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defenselessness. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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