untenable

[ uhn-ten-uh-buhl ]

adjective

1. (of an argument, thesis, strategy, etc.) incapable of being defended; indefensible:

   I do not regard atheism as an untenable stance toward the world.

2. (of a situation or condition) incapable of being sustained or maintained over time:

   A number of exporters have called for the measure to be withdrawn, maintaining it has imposed an untenable strain on their working capital.

   Synonyms: questionable, weak, unsound, groundless, baseless

3. not fit to be occupied, as an apartment, house, etc.

untenable

/ ʌnˈtɛnəbəl /

adjective

1. (of theories, propositions, etc) incapable of being maintained, defended, or vindicated
2. unable to be maintained against attack
3. rare.
   (of a house, etc) unfit for occupation

Derived Forms

• unˈtenably, adverb
• unˌtenaˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• un·ten·a·bil·i·ty [uhn-ten-, uh, -, bil, -i-tee], un·ten·a·ble·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of untenable¹

First recorded in 1640–50; un- ¹ + tenable

Example Sentences

The Bishop of Newcastle, Helen-Ann Hartley, told the BBC on Monday that Mr Welby's position was "untenable" after the report.

From BBC

But even if a national abortion ban—something JD Vance has spoken in favor of—is probably untenable politically, how else could the incoming administration restrict access to abortion across the country?

From Slate

Anglican priest Giles Fraser told the BBC the Most Rev Justin Welby had "lost the confidence of his clergy" and his position was untenable.

From BBC

It would take more than a year and a half, and a shocking, late-in-the-game debate debacle, for Biden and the party to accept that his candidacy was untenable.

From Slate

With the stakes so incredibly high for democracy this election, though, sitting on the sidelines felt untenable.

From Salon

Related Words

• illogical
• unsound