Uforsvarlig

Uforsvarlig is a Norwegian adjective meaning not defensible or not justifiable. It is used to describe actions, decisions, or behavior that lack justification, raise safety concerns, or exhibit negligence. The term implies that conduct fails to meet accepted standards of care or accountability and is therefore unacceptable in a given context. In English, words such as irresponsible, indefensible, or unsafe often convey a similar sense.

Etymology and form: The word is formed with the prefix u- meaning "not" and forsvarlig, meaning defendable, justifiable, or prudent. The noun form is uforsvarlighet (irresponsibility). In Nynorsk, the equivalent adjective is uforsvarleg.

Usage and context: Uforsvarlig is common in media, public debate, and professional or legal contexts. It is typically used with nouns such as handling, beslutning, atferd, or praksis, for example uforsvarlig handling (an indefensible action), uforsvarlig opptreden (irresponsible conduct), or uforsvarlig praksis (unsafe practice). The term often signals a stronger judgment about safety, legality, or defensibility than more general terms like uansvarlig.

Nuance and related terms: While close to uansvarlig (irresponsible), uforsvarlig tends to carry a sharper assessment of whether conduct can be defended or justified, particularly regarding safety or duty of care. Related terms include forsvarlig (defensible, prudent) and uforsiktig (careless, negligent).

See also: forsvarlig; uforsiktig; uansvarlig; uforsvarlighet.