untenable

American  

[uhn-ten-uh-buhl] / ʌnˈtɛn ə bəl /

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   A number of exporters have called for the measure to be withdrawn, maintaining it has imposed an untenable strain on their working capital.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

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untenable British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• untenability noun
• untenableness noun
• untenably adverb

Etymology

Origin of untenable

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

Example Sentences

“As consumer preferences shifted toward more technical brands — such as Hoka, On, and New Balance — visit frequency declined, eventually making many store operations untenable,” he said.

From MarketWatch

“That seems like it could become a politically untenable situation, especially if gas prices are also high.”

From Salon

Even so, the hours-long security lines at airports are also becoming untenable as Transportation Security Administration agents call in sick or quit because they aren’t getting paid.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Doing those two things successfully, I thought, was untenable,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal

A Christian private school has closed its doors, claiming changes in VAT rules has made its financial situation "untenable".

From BBC

Related Words

• illogical
• unsound