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   A number of exporters have called for the measure to be withdrawn, maintaining it has imposed an untenable strain on their working capital.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

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

From Salon • Mar. 30, 2026

For Kiryat Shmona resident Zehava Barak, the constant state of conflict seemed untenable.

From Barron's • Mar. 18, 2026

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 • Mar. 10, 2026

From a business standpoint, keeping Attia at CBS was untenable.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 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