sitting duck

noun

: an easy or defenseless target

Examples of sitting duck in a Sentence

The tourists were sitting ducks for local thieves. those stupid comments just made him a sitting duck for comedians
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
According to Deloitte, just 14% of companies are confident in their ability to fill the void left by departing talent, making most companies sitting ducks. Jon Michail, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024 Rachel secures her spot in the Final 6, leaving Sam and Genevieve once again as sitting ducks. Nick Caruso, TVLine, 4 Dec. 2024 Servicemembers are also sitting ducks, transporting fuel trucks in war zones, so reducing fuel needs could save their lives. Joan Michelson, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024 Intercepts have been easy because the scout drones are sitting ducks. David Hambling, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sitting duck 

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sitting duck was in 1942

Dictionary Entries Near sitting duck

Cite this Entry

“Sitting duck.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sitting%20duck. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

sitting duck

noun
: an easy or defenseless target
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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