How to pronounce indefensible
Say it like in-dih-FEN-suh-bul. Indefensible has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (FEN).
- in
- dih
- FEN
- suh
- bul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Indefensible pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- inGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- dihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- FENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- suhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- bulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of indefensible
American and British speakers say indefensible in essentially the same way: /ˌɪndɪˈfɛnsəbəl/ in the US and /ˌɪndɪˈfɛnsəbəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: in-dih-FEN-suh-bul.
What does indefensible mean?
- Not defensible; not capable of being defended.
- Not capable of being justified or excused.
- Incapable of being explained.
Where does indefensible come from?
From in- + defensible.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- vulnerable
- inexcusable
- unpardonable
- untenable
- insupportable
- invalid
- unjustifiable
- unwarrantable
Words that rhyme with indefensible
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of indefensible.
Questions about saying indefensible
How do you pronounce indefensible?
Say in-dih-FEN-suh-bul. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪndɪˈfɛnsəbəl/. In British English it is /ˌɪndɪˈfɛnsəbəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in indefensible?
Indefensible has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (FEN). Broken into parts: in · dih · FEN · suh · bul.
Do Americans and Brits say indefensible the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɪndɪˈfɛnsəbəl/ and the British form is /ˌɪndɪˈfɛnsəbəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.