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   A number of exporters have called for the measure to be withdrawn, maintaining it has imposed an untenable strain on their working capital.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

Example Sentences

In reality, the Croat's position is looking increasingly untenable, every scrap of evidence produced since he succeeded Thomas Frank suggesting he is the wrong man in the wrong place.

From BBC

In a statement, Anderson’s legal counsel said it has become “untenable” for Anderson to be associated with Burkle “in light of public reporting about his affiliations with certain individuals” such as Weinstein and Epstein.

From Los Angeles Times

One Afghan trader who had gone to Iran's central city of Isfahan thought "maybe the situation would get better", but it quickly became untenable.

From Barron's

Head teachers are struggling to find a work-life balance as they describe the pressures in their schools as "exhausting and untenable".

From BBC

It said: "Antonia's obsession with promoting her personal brand over the work and priorities of HMG has created an untenably tense and bullying atmosphere for all staff".

From BBC

Related Words

• illogical
• unsound