untenable
Americanadjective
-
(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A number of exporters have called for the measure to be withdrawn, maintaining it has imposed an untenable strain on their working capital.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.
adjective
-
(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
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of untenable
Explanation
If something is untenable, you can't defend it or justify it. If your disagreement with your teacher puts you in an untenable position, you better just admit you made a mistake and get on with it. When untenable entered English in the 17th century it meant "unable to be held against attack." That sense still holds true: you can use the adjective untenable to describe any situation, position, or theory that simply can't be defended. Untenable is a great word to use when you want to criticize something, whether it's a flawed system or a referee's bad call.
Vocabulary lists containing untenable
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Particularly In Texas, this puts hundreds of thousands of Muslims in an untenable position.
From Slate ● Nov. 2, 2026
The situation in the strait is increasingly viewed as untenable without more international help, some U.S. officials say.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 30, 2026
Farage said he was sorry for former leader Thomas's "personal difficulties", but said it had been untenable for him to continue.
From BBC ● Sep. 21, 2026
"It would therefore be untenable for European minors to end up less well protected, when our framework is the most demanding in the world."
From Barron's ● Sep. 3, 2026
The situation is entirely untenable, and I know it.
From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen
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Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
