is not defensible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not defensible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an argument, position, or action that cannot be justified or supported logically. Example: "The decision to cut funding for education is not defensible in light of the current economic challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

It is not defensible.

The Guardian

This is not defensible.

The Guardian - Opinion

That can't be right, it is not defensible and it brings MPs into disrepute".

The Guardian

What is not defensible is when reporters don't carefully inspect and question the evidence, or when they ignore dissenting opinions and so-called facts.

The New Yorker

It is fair enough and sensible to use intelligence and prevent plots home and abroad, but what is happening and has been since 9/11 is not defensible, moral, right, just or sane.

Independent

"That being said, it is not defensible in my opinion to have such incredible ranges of different times to do the same thing around the country when it is the same process".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"The most difficult thing is having to defend an Administration that isn't defensible," he said.

The New Yorker

Defrauding the public of that information might be acceptable within some circles, but it isn't defensible.

Huffington Post

But there are two other types of Freud-bashing that are not defensible.

The New York Times - Arts

He also said that "Jerusalem will never again be divided," and added that Israel's 1967 borders were not defensible.

The New York Times

While he admitted that Jeremy Clarkson's use of the racial slur "slope" in a special set in Burma was "not defensible", he said he was "bored" of defending a controversial edition set in Argentina.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not defensible", ensure the context clearly identifies what specific aspect lacks justification. For example, specify whether it's a policy, argument, or action being deemed indefensible.

Common error

Avoid using "is not defensible" in purely subjective arguments. It implies an objective standard of justification, so reserve it for situations where you can provide clear reasoning or evidence to support your claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not defensible" functions as a judgmental adjective phrase. It is used to express that something, be it an action, argument, or situation, cannot be justified or defended. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is not defensible" serves as a critical assessment, conveying that something lacks justification or cannot be reasonably supported. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. With a neutral to formal tone, this phrase frequently appears in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, indicating a broad application in scenarios requiring objectivity. For more formal alternatives, consider using phrases like "is unjustifiable" or "cannot be justified". When employing this phrase, always ensure the context clearly identifies what is being deemed indefensible and provide sufficient reasoning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be justified

Emphasizes the lack of valid reasons or evidence to support something.

is unjustifiable

Highlights the absence of fairness or moral grounds for something.

is indefensible

Stresses the impossibility of defending or protecting something against criticism or attack.

is unsustainable

Focuses on the inability of something to be maintained or continued.

is unacceptable

Indicates that something does not meet required standards or norms.

lacks merit

Highlights the absence of positive qualities or worth.

is untenable

Emphasizes the inability of something to be maintained or defended against attack or objection.

is without foundation

Indicates the lack of a solid or reasonable basis for something.

is not viable

Focuses on the impracticality or impossibility of something working successfully.

is groundless

Highlights the absence of any valid reason or evidence.

FAQs

How can I use "is not defensible" in a sentence?

Use "is not defensible" to describe something that cannot be justified or defended with logic or reason. For example, "The company's environmental record is not defensible given the numerous violations."

What's a formal alternative to "is not defensible"?

More formal alternatives include "is unjustifiable", "is indefensible", or "cannot be justified".

Is it better to say "is not defensible" or "isn't defensible"?

"Is not defensible" and "isn't defensible" are both grammatically correct, but "is not defensible" is generally considered more formal. Choose based on the desired tone.

What's the difference between "is not defensible" and "is not justified"?

While both phrases indicate a lack of support, "is not defensible" often implies a stronger sense of impossibility to defend or justify, whereas "is not justified" simply means there are no good reasons for it.