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   A number of exporters have called for the measure to be withdrawn, maintaining it has imposed an untenable strain on their working capital.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

Many would lose work authorization and have to return to untenable conditions in troubled countries, and families would splinter with parents forced to leave their U.S.-born children here.

From Salon

The higher wages, it said, would balloon hotels’ labor costs so much that sticking to the terms of the deal would be untenable.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Salon

"Life is becoming ever more untenable in northern Gaza, there is no food at all," he said.

From BBC

Senior Plaid figures have told BBC Wales that the leader's original comments on Thursday about Foden had made his position untenable.

From BBC

Related Words

• illogical
• unsound