Untenable: meaning, definitions and examples
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untenable
[ʌnˈtɛnəb(ə)l ]
Definition
situation
Not able to be maintained or defended against attack or objection.
Synonyms
indefensible, unjustifiable, unsustainable.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| untenable |
Used to describe a situation, position, or belief that cannot be maintained or defended, often due to lack of evidence or support.
|
| indefensible |
Refers to an action, position, or argument that cannot be justified or defended, usually due to moral or logical reasons. It often carries a negative connotation.
|
| unsustainable |
Used to describe practices, methods, or systems that cannot be continued long-term because they will lead to negative outcomes or depletion of resources.
|
| unjustifiable |
Describes actions or decisions that cannot be justified under any circumstances, often implying a lack of reason or ethics. It usually has a negative connotation.
|
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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'tenere,' meaning 'to hold,' combined with the prefix 'un-' which negates it, resulting in 'not able to be held.'
- It entered English in the late 19th century, primarily used in academic or philosophical discussions.
Philosophy
- In philosophical debates, an untenable position is one that cannot withstand critique or opposing arguments.
- Philosophers often examine the concept as it relates to ethical or moral arguments, determining if they can truly be supported.
Pop Culture
- The term is often used in discussions related to characters in movies or books whose beliefs or actions become unsustainable over time.
- In political discussions, strategies or policies can be labeled as untenable when they are no longer viable or appropriate.
Science
- In scientific theory, an untenable hypothesis is one that fails under experimental scrutiny or is disproven by evidence.
- In environmental science, proposals that cannot be sustainably implemented are often termed untenable.
Legal context
- In legal discussions, an untenable argument lacks sufficient evidence and can be easily challenged in court.
- Lawyers must avoid presenting untenable claims to ensure their arguments are taken seriously by judges.
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)