forsvarlig

Forsvarlig is a Norwegian adjective describing something that is prudent, safe, appropriate, or defensible. It characterizes actions, decisions, plans or safeguards that are considered sound and responsible, and that can withstand scrutiny. The term is common in both everyday language and formal contexts, including public administration, finance, and policy making.

The word comes from the noun forsvar (defense) with the suffix -lig, forming an adjective that covers ideas of defensibility as well as prudence. Grammatically, forsvarlig is used both attributively and predicatively: en forsvarlig plan, et forsvarlig budsjett, eller Dette er forsvarlig.

In practice, forsvarlig is applied to processes, decisions and measures where due care, risk assessment and accountability are expected. Examples include en forsvarlig låneopptak, en forsvarlig vurdering, eller en forsvarlig praksis. In public sector contexts, the term signals alignment with standards for safety, financial stewardship and responsible governance.

A related noun is forsvarlighet, meaning prudence or defensibility. Synonyms conveying similar nuance include forsiktig (careful), ansvarlig (responsible), and trygt (safe), though each word carries its own shade of meaning depending on context.