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   A number of exporters have called for the measure to be withdrawn, maintaining it has imposed an untenable strain on their working capital.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

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.

Example Sentences

Those vociferous, flat-out denials had been enough to sway the politicians and union leaders who endorsed Swalwell’s gubernatorial bid, until the weight of evidence made Swalwell’s assertions untenable.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

He added: "It is absolutely untenable for customers to be without water."

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

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

From Salon • Mar. 30, 2026

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 • Mar. 27, 2026

There are always untenable events, freak happenings like someone recognizing you, or at worst, the trouble results from a foolish and negligent spy, like my time with Luzan.

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee

Related Words

• illogical
• unsound