nondefensive
Not guarding yourself
Nondefensive describes a manner of responding without becoming protective or hostile when challenged or criticized.
A nondefensive response acknowledges feedback openly rather than deflecting or counterattacking: She listened to the complaint in a nondefensive way.
The word appears often in relationship advice and workplace communication contexts.
Not closed
- listeningAttending to sound
- approachableEasy to engage with
- acceptingWilling to receive
- curiousEager to learn
empathetic · understanding · attentive · engaged · considerate · respectful · mindful · aware
Without protection or caution
- nonreactiveChemically inactive substance
- composedCalm and self-possessed
- unruffledEmotionally undisturbed, placid
- equanimityUnshakable mental steadiness
imperturbable · coolheaded · even-tempered · unflappable · centered · grounded · self-assured · secure
Allowing light through
- honestFree from deception
- forthcomingSoon to appear
- candidHonest and direct
- directUndeviating or to guide
vulnerable · authentic · genuine · accountable · acknowledging · constructive · collaborative · dialogic
open
Not closed
- listeningAttending to sound
- approachableEasy to engage with
- acceptingWilling to receive
curious · empathetic · understanding · attentive · engaged · considerate · respectful · mindful · aware · perceptive
unguarded
Without protection or caution
- nonreactiveChemically inactive substance
- composedCalm and self-possessed
- unruffledEmotionally undisturbed, placid
equanimity · imperturbable · coolheaded · even-tempered · unflappable · centered · grounded · self-assured · secure · unbothered
transparent
Allowing light through
- honestFree from deception
- forthcomingSoon to appear
- candidHonest and direct
direct · vulnerable · authentic · genuine · accountable · acknowledging · constructive · collaborative · dialogic · reflective
nondefensivedefensive
Protective or easily threatened
guarded · bristling · walled-off · closed-off · prickly
nondefensivedefensive
Protective or easily threatened
fortified · entrenched · protected · shielded · barricaded
nondefensivedefensive
Protective or easily threatened
thin-skinned · insecure · threatened · easily offended · hypersensitive
defend, defense, defender, defensive, defenseless, defensible, undefended, indefensible, defensively