Defendable

Defendable is an adjective meaning capable of being defended or justified, typically by evidence, reasoning, or authority. It describes claims, positions, arguments, or defenses that can withstand scrutiny or challenge.

Etymology and spelling: defendable is formed from defend + able and is a variant of defensible. Defensible is the more common form in formal writing, particularly in law, philosophy, and scholarship. Defendable is understood and occasionally used in technical or less formal contexts.

Usage: In law, a defendable claim is one supported by relevant evidence and legal argument. In science, a defendable hypothesis is one that can be tested and potentially falsified. In policy or debate, a defendable position has credible justification. In computing or engineering, a defendable design is one that can be protected against threats with available controls.

Synonyms and distinctions: Synonyms include defensible, tenable, justifiable, and well-supported. The distinction is subtle: defensible often connotes legal or moral defensibility, while defendable can be broader, including practical defendability. In formal prose, defensible is generally preferred; defendable may appear in technical writing or as a variant spelling. See also defensible, tenable.