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   A number of exporters have called for the measure to be withdrawn, maintaining it has imposed an untenable strain on their working capital.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

---

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

---

Other Word Forms

• untenability noun
• untenableness noun
• untenably adverb

Etymology

Origin of untenable

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

Example Sentences

The organisation's trustees decided Dr Begum's position was "untenable" because of an "irretrievable breakdown in its trust and confidence" in her ability to do the job.

From BBC

The organisation's trustees decided Dr Halima Begum's position was "untenable" because of an "irretrievable breakdown in its trust and confidence" in her ability to do the job.

From BBC

"The effect of this is lowering the value of their properties or making them impossible to sell, so it's an untenable position for them and something I would like to help them do something about."

From BBC

The fundamental logic of charging for time spent rather than value delivered is becoming untenable as AI automates more grunt work—and professionals may soon have to change their practices.

From The Wall Street Journal

The charity Campaign Against Antisemitism was among the groups pushing the BBC to sever ties with Lineker, saying him staying was "untenable".

From BBC

Related Words

• illogical
• unsound