untenable

[uhn-ten-uh-buhl]

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   A number of exporters have called for the measure to be withdrawn, maintaining it has imposed an untenable strain on their working capital.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

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of untenable¹

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

Example Sentences

She ended her letter by warning that other Labour politicians may reach her conclusion that remaining in the party was "untenable".

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The union said Sir Robbie's position was "a distraction and is untenable".

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“It’s going to take some time to receive this money because the Democrats have forced the administration into a very untenable position.”

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In an internal email from July 2024, university officials said "attempting to retain the business in China and publication of the research are now untenable bedfellows".

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“We are facing … an extremely dangerous and untenable situation in the southern Caribbean,” Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley said Saturday according to the Post.

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Related Words

• illogical 
• unsound