Word
defenseless
Phoneticsde·fense·less, stress on the second syllable
/dɪˈfɛnsɫəs/
UK spelling · defenceless
Definition
adj. having no way to protect yourself from harm or attack. You use this to describe someone or something that is weak and has no help.
adj. lacking protection or the means of self-defence; vulnerable to attack or injury. Often used to describe physical vulnerability or a lack of legal and social safeguards.
Examples
“The small village was defenseless against the storm.”
“Without a lawyer to represent her interests, the defendant felt completely defenseless in the courtroom.”
“The treaty left the border regions effectively defenseless, as the removal of military outposts created a power vacuum that local militias were quick to exploit.”
Examples
simple
“The small village was defenseless against the storm.”
contextual
“Without a lawyer to represent her interests, the defendant felt completely defenseless in the courtroom.”
complex
“The treaty left the border regions effectively defenseless, as the removal of military outposts created a power vacuum that local militias were quick to exploit.”
Usage
Commonly used both attributively before a noun and predicatively after linking verbs like 'feel' or 'remain'.
Pitfall
the defenselessness people
the defenseless people
Learners sometimes confuse the noun 'defenselessness' with the adjective 'defenseless' when modifying a noun.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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