defenceless meaning

UK US /dɪˈfɛnsləs/ 3 syllables

defenceless (adjective): lacking protection or support.

defenceless has 3 meanings in this dictionary, as adjective and adverb.

defenceless as an adjective

  1. lacking protection or support
    • a defenseless child

    Synonyms: defenseless

    Similar: vulnerable

    Related forms: defencelessness

  2. lacking weapons for self-defense

    Synonyms: defenseless

    Similar: unarmed

    Related forms: defencelessness

defenceless as an adverb

  1. without defense
    • the child was standing in the middle of the crossfire, defenselessly

    Synonyms: defenseless, defenselessly, defencelessly

How to pronounce defenceless

defenceless is pronounced /dɪˈfɛnsləs/ in American English. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.

Scrabble score: 17 (letter breakdown)

Word lists: words starting with DE · words ending in SS · 11-letter words

More about defenceless on Wikipedia.