Defenselessness — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /di-ˈfen(t)s/ de·fense

Meaning & Definition of Defenselessness

Defenselessness (noun)

  1. the act or action of defending
  2. the denial, answer, or plea of one against whom a criminal or civil action is brought, a defendant's denial, answer, or plea
  3. capability of resisting attack

Defenselessness (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the quality or state of having little resistance to some outside agent

    "our utter defenselessness against the rising floodwaters quickly became apparent"

    similar: susceptibility, vulnerability, weakness
    related: helplessness, powerlessness, passiveness, passivity, feebleness, frailness, frailty, infirmity, exposure, liability, openness, predisposition, proneness, sensitivity, receptiveness, receptivity, easiness, gullibility, naïveté, credulity, credulousness
    opposite: invulnerability
    near: immunity, impenetrability, indomitability, indomitableness, invincibility

Related Entry: Defense (noun)

Defense is a different word from Defenselessness. The synonyms below are for defense, not for defenselessness.

  1. means or method of defending

    "thorns are a rose's defense against grazing animals"

    similar: aegis, ammunition, armor, buckler, cover, guard, protection, safeguard, screen, security, shield, wall, ward
    related: arm, armament, munitions, weapon, weaponry, fastness, fort, fortress, palisade, stronghold
    near: aggression, assault, attack, offense, offensive

  2. an explanation that frees one from fault or blame

    "there's absolutely no defense for your actions"

    similar: alibi, apology, excuse, justification, plea, reason
    related: color, guise, pretense, pretext, rationale, rationalization, vindication, whitewash, cop-out, out, acknowledgment, atonement, confession, extenuation, palliation

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Defenselessness

The most common words with a similar meaning to Defenselessness:

susceptibility, vulnerability, weakness

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Defenselessness

Words with the opposite meaning of Defenselessness:

invulnerability

Related Words for Defenselessness

helplessness, powerlessness, passiveness, passivity, feebleness, frailness, frailty, infirmity, exposure, liability, openness, predisposition, proneness, sensitivity, receptiveness, receptivity, easiness, gullibility, naïveté, credulity, credulousness

Near Antonyms of Defenselessness

immunity, impenetrability, indomitability, indomitableness, invincibility

Word Forms of Defenselessness

Derived words: defenseless (adjective), defenselessly (adverb), defenselessness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Defenselessness

Middle English defense, defence, borrowed from Anglo-French defens, defense, defence, borrowed from Medieval Latin dēfensa, dēfensum (Late Latin dēfensa "vengeance"), nominal derivatives from feminine and neuter of Latin dēfensus, past participle of dēfendere "to ward off, defend"

First known use: 14th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Defenselessness

What does "Defenselessness" mean?

"Defenselessness" means the act or action of defending. As a noun, it is defined as: the act or action of defending.

What is another word for "Defenselessness"?

Other words for "Defenselessness" include susceptibility, vulnerability and weakness. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Defenselessness" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Defenselessness"?

There are 24 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Defenselessness". Common alternatives include susceptibility, vulnerability and weakness.

What is the opposite of "Defenselessness"?

Antonyms of "Defenselessness" include invulnerability. Near antonyms include immunity, impenetrability, indomitability and indomitableness.

How do you use "Defenselessness" in a sentence?

Examples of "Defenselessness" in a sentence: "our utter defenselessness against the rising floodwaters quickly became apparent".

Is "Defenselessness" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Defenselessness" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Defenselessness"?

"Defenselessness" is pronounced /di-ˈfen(t)s/ and divided into syllables as de·fense.

What is the origin of the word "Defenselessness"?

"Defenselessness" comes from Middle English defense, defence, borrowed from Anglo-French defens, defense, defence, borrowed from Medieval Latin dēfensa, dēfensum (Late Latin dēfensa "vengeance"), nominal derivatives from feminine and neuter of Latin dēfensus, past participle of dēfendere "to ward off, defend". First known use: 14th century.