The word "indefensible" is spelled with the prefix "in-" which means "not" or "lacking". The second syllable is pronounced as "di-fen-suh-buhl" with the emphasis on the third syllable. The spelling of this word follows the English language's phonetic principles where each letter has a corresponding sound. The "def-" sound is spelled with the letters "d-e-f" while the "-able" ending is pronounced as "uh-buhl" and spelled with "a-b-l-e". "Indefensible" means something that cannot be justified or excused.
The word "indefensible" is an adjective used to describe something that cannot be supported, justified, or defended. It refers to actions, behaviors, arguments, or positions that lack any sound or valid reasoning, making them impossible to uphold or protect.
When referring to actions or behaviors, "indefensible" implies that something is morally or ethically unjustifiable. It suggests that the action or behavior is so clearly wrong, unfair, or unreasonable that it cannot be defended against criticism or condemnation.
In the context of arguments or positions, "indefensible" emphasizes that the viewpoint or stance is so fundamentally flawed, weak, or untenable that it cannot be logically justified. It suggests that the argument or position lacks evidence, reasoning, or support to counter opposing views or critiques.
In a broader sense, "indefensible" can also describe physical structures or fortifications that are poorly designed or positioned, offering no effective protection or resistance against attacks or threats. This reinforces the notion that "indefensible" refers to something that is vulnerable, open to attack, and incapable of defense.
Overall, "indefensible" suggests a lack of any legitimate or justifiable basis, making it an essential term used to criticize actions, behaviors, arguments, positions, or structures that cannot withstand scrutiny or opposition.
That cannot be defended; not to be vindicated or justified.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word indefensible originated from the combination of the prefix in- and the word defensible.
The prefix in- is derived from the Latin preposition in, meaning not or without. In English, it has regularly been used to denote negation or absence.
The term defensible, on the other hand, comes from the Latin word defensibilis, which derives from the verb defendere, meaning to defend or to protect.
Therefore, when the prefix in- is added to defensible, it forms the word indefensible, meaning not able to be defended or incapable of being justified or supported.