# indefensible

/ˌɪndɪˈfɛnsəbəɫ/ (US) · /ˌɪndɪfˈɛnsəbəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/indefensible
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

so bad or unfair that it is impossible to justify or defend. You use this to describe a situation or a person's behavior that is clearly wrong.

For teachers: impossible to justify or defend; so bad that it is not worth arguing for. Often used to describe moral, legal, or logical positions that are clearly flawed.

## Examples

- The company's decision to fire the employee was indefensible.
- The lawyer argued that the evidence was so weak that the defendant's conviction was indefensible.
- The committee's refusal to address the growing safety concerns was seen as an indefensible oversight that could lead to serious legal consequences.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.