Tenuously: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to indicate that something is very weak or slight. Often refers to abstract concepts like relationships or connections.

• The alliance was held together only tenuously.
• The scandal left their reputation tenuously intact.

Emphasize the physical vulnerability or breakability of an object, or refer to a situation or relationship that is easily damaged or unstable.

• The glass is extremely fragile.
• Their relationship is fragile after the recent argument.

Describe something that is done with great care or sensitivity, often requiring precision. Can also mean something that is subtle or refined.

• She handled the antique vase delicately.
• The flavors in the dish were delicately balanced.

Describe a situation that is unstable, insecure, or dangerous, often implying that something is on the brink of falling or collapsing.

• He stood precariously on the edge of the cliff.
• The economy is balanced precariously between growth and recession.

Used to describe something that is weakly connected, lacking strength, or not firmly in place.

• The argument was tenuously supported by limited evidence.
• The agreement was held together tenuously and could fall apart at any moment.

General term for lacking strength, power, or intensity, can refer to physical strength, arguments, or effectiveness.

• After the illness, he felt very weak and had difficulty walking.
• The opposition's arguments were weak and easily countered.

Refers to something that is easily broken or not sturdy, often used to describe physical objects or weak arguments.

• The chair looked flimsy and couldn't support much weight.
• Her excuse was flimsy and no one believed it.

Describes something that is not steady, prone to change or collapse, often used in emotional, technical, or financial contexts.

• The ladder was unstable, making it risky to climb.
• He felt emotionally unstable after the breakup.