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Untenable: meaning, definitions and examples

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untenable

 

[ ʌnˈtɛnəb(ə)l ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

situation

Not able to be maintained or defended against attack or objection.

Synonyms

indefensible, unjustifiable, unsustainable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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.

  • The scientist's hypothesis became untenable after new evidence emerged.
  • The CEO found his position untenable after the financial scandal.
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.

  • The teacher's harsh punishment of the student was indefensible.
  • His neglect of duty is simply indefensible.
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.

  • The current rate of deforestation is unsustainable.
  • Their business model is unsustainable due to high operational costs.
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.

  • Her outburst at the meeting was completely unjustifiable.
  • The company's use of child labor is utterly unjustifiable.

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)

Etymology

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.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,019, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.