View synonyms for untenable

untenable

[ uhn-ten-uh-buhl ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

(of an argument, thesis, strategy, etc.) incapable of being defended; indefensible:
I do not regard atheism as an untenable stance toward the world.
(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A number of exporters have called for the measure to be withdrawn, maintaining it has imposed an untenable strain on their working capital.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
not fit to be occupied, as an apartment, house, etc.

untenable

/ ʌnˈtɛnəbəl /

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

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

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

He added that if the agreement eventually proves untenable, “we could walk any time.”

Does this hunk of glass make up for his untenable relationships?

The enemy effected and exploited a breach on the left flank, rendering the friendly positions untenable.

But two failed wars and a massive national debt have made their ultra-expensive, ultra-bloody foreign policy vision untenable.

Rebel-held territory in northern Syria has grown untenable for professional journalists and aid workers as well.

The popping of dry, scrubby timber warned us that our position would soon be untenable.

Now, in our judgment, both the positions successively taken up in the Majority Report are untenable.

But in the light of scientific discoveries and demonstrations, such a belief is unfounded and utterly untenable to-day.

Hence, although seriously inconvenienced, the French did not find their position untenable.

From the square itself Beresford was forced by artillery fire to retreat, and the situation was soon seen to be untenable.

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