Untenable: meaning, definitions and examples
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untenable
[ ʌnˈtɛnəb(ə)l ]
situation
Not able to be maintained or defended against attack or objection.
Synonyms
indefensible, unjustifiable, unsustainable
Examples of usage
- The position of the company became untenable after the scandal.
- His argument was untenable in front of the evidence presented.
- The government's decision was widely criticized as untenable.
- The company had to admit that their financial situation was untenable.
- Her behavior towards her colleagues was considered untenable by the management.
Translations
Translations of the word "untenable" in other languages:
🇵🇹 insustentável
🇮🇳 असमर्थनीय
🇩🇪 unhaltbar
🇮🇩 tidak dapat dipertahankan
🇺🇦 непідтримуваний
🇵🇱 nie do utrzymania
🇯🇵 持続不可能
🇫🇷 indéfendable
🇪🇸 insostenible
🇹🇷 savunulamaz
🇰🇷 지탱할 수 없는
🇸🇦 غير مستدام
🇨🇿 neudržitelný
🇸🇰 neudržateľný
🇨🇳 无法维持
🇸🇮 nevzdržen
🇮🇸 óviðunandi
🇰🇿 тұрақсыз
🇬🇪 დაუჭერელი
🇦🇿 qeyri-mümkün
🇲🇽 insostenible (same as Spanish)
Word origin
The word 'untenable' originated from the Latin word 'tenere' meaning 'to hold'. It entered the English language in the mid-16th century with the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not'. Over time, 'untenable' has been commonly used to describe situations, arguments, or positions that are unable to be maintained or defended. The concept of untenability is often associated with vulnerability and weakness in various contexts.