reasonably defensible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reasonably defensible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that a position, argument, or decision can be justified or supported with reasonable evidence or reasoning. Example: "The company's decision to implement remote work policies is reasonably defensible given the positive impact on employee productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

This isn't Ronald Reagan and Democratic House Speaker Tip O'Neill creating a reasonably defensible solution to buttress Social Security finances.

Huffington Post

Although the use of computer-based modeling in guideline development is quite sophisticated and reasonably defensible scientifically, the component of guideline value derivation that involves modifying factors is probably the most subjective part of the entire process.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

This, he believes, makes Zego somewhat defensible.

TechCrunch

Were our actions defensible?

The New York Times

This reluctance is defensible.

The Economist

It is not defensible.

The Guardian

This execution is defensible.

The Guardian - Opinion

How is that defensible?

The Guardian

Is his claim defensible?

The New Yorker

This is not defensible.

The Guardian - Opinion

"These cases are eminently defensible.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reasonably defensible" to indicate that a position or action can be justified with sound reasoning but might not be entirely without criticism or alternative perspectives. It's useful in contexts where complete agreement is unlikely but a solid justification exists.

Common error

Avoid using "reasonably defensible" when the position is based purely on opinion or lacks any factual or logical support. Ensure there is a genuine basis for defending the stance, even if it's not universally accepted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reasonably defensible" functions as a compound adjective modifying a noun. It describes the quality of something being justifiable to a certain extent. Ludwig AI shows examples where it characterizes solutions, claims, and positions as having a logical basis.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reasonably defensible" is a phrase used to describe something that is justifiable but not necessarily beyond criticism. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct, although its usage is rare and it appears primarily in news, science and media contexts. Alternatives like "adequately justifiable" or "logically defensible" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, ensure that the position you are describing genuinely has some logical or factual basis, even if it's not universally accepted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

logically defensible

Highlights the logical aspect of being defensible, suggesting a coherent and reasoned defense.

adequately justifiable

Replaces "defensible" with "justifiable", highlighting the act of providing justification.

rationally justifiable

Focuses on the rational basis for justification, implying a logical defense.

justifiably reasonable

Reverses the order and uses a slightly different adjective to describe the extent of justifiability.

suitably supportable

Focuses on the idea that the position or argument can be supported with sufficient evidence.

acceptably justifiable

Emphasizes that the justification is acceptable, implying a level of agreement or understanding.

plausibly arguable

Emphasizes the plausibility of the argument being made, suggesting it's within the realm of reasonable discussion.

credibly maintainable

Highlights the ability to maintain a position or argument with credibility.

tenably maintainable

Uses "tenably" to suggest that the position can be maintained or defended, albeit with potential challenges.

vindication within reason

Alters the structure to imply a vindication that is within reasonable bounds.

FAQs

How can I use "reasonably defensible" in a sentence?

Use "reasonably defensible" to suggest that something can be defended with logical arguments, even if it's not universally accepted. For example, "The company's decision to downsize was "reasonably defensible" given the economic downturn".

What are some alternatives to "reasonably defensible"?

You can use phrases like "adequately justifiable", "logically defensible", or "plausibly arguable" as alternatives to "reasonably defensible" depending on the specific context.

Is "reasonably defensible" the same as "completely defensible"?

No, "completely defensible" implies a position is unassailable and without any valid counterarguments. "Reasonably defensible" suggests it can be justified with sound reasoning, but acknowledges potential criticisms or alternative perspectives. It expresses more of a compromise than absolute certainty.

When is it appropriate to use "reasonably defensible"?

Use it when you want to convey that a position has merit and can be defended logically, but you also want to acknowledge that it might not be perfect or universally accepted. This is useful in complex situations where there are multiple viewpoints.