Word
defensible
Phoneticsde·fen·si·ble, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪˈfɛnsəbəɫ/
UK/dɪfˈɛnsəbəl/
Definition
adj. able to be explained or justified in a way that makes sense. You use this to describe an idea or action that is not obviously wrong or silly.
adj. capable of being justified or explained in a way that is reasonable or logical. Often used to describe positions, arguments, or actions that withstand critical scrutiny.
Examples
“The manager's decision to raise prices is not very defensible.”
“The lawyer argued that the client's actions were defensible under the specific circumstances of the case.”
“While the initial strategy seemed flawed, the team eventually provided enough data to make their approach defensible in the face of external criticism.”
Examples
simple
“The manager's decision to raise prices is not very defensible.”
contextual
“The lawyer argued that the client's actions were defensible under the specific circumstances of the case.”
complex
“While the initial strategy seemed flawed, the team eventually provided enough data to make their approach defensible in the face of external criticism.”
Real-World Examples
“By the period of our new study, focus had shifted to the narrower, more defensible southern ridge.” “A California resident explains how he hardened his home against wildfires and created defensible space.” Etymology
From Old French defensable, from Latin defensibilem. Equivalent to defense + -ible.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- 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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QR code
englishreference.com/q/defensible