adjective

tenuous

/ˈtɛnjuəs/ · say it: TEN·yoo·uhs

weak or insubstantial, as an argument

In Debate & Persuasion

In more detail

1. (adjective) very thin, weak, or not substantial; based on little evidence or support

2. (adjective) barely connected or only slightly related

Examples

1. The connection between the two events is tenuous at best.
2. He has only a tenuous grasp of the English language.

How to use tenuous

Tenuous describes something that lacks strength, substance, or a solid basis. It often suggests something is barely holding together or resting on questionable foundations. Use it when discussing weak relationships, arguments, or evidence rather than physically thin objects; for purely physical thinness, use thin or filament-like instead.

Common phrases

tenuous connection
tenuous link
tenuous thread
tenuous at best
tenuous relationship
tenuous evidence

Synonyms

weak · fragile · flimsy · insubstantial · slender

Opposites

substantial · strong · robust

Word family

tenuously (adverb) · tenuousness (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse tenuous with continuous or assume it means merely thin rather than weak or lacking foundation; tenuous implies fragility of connection or substance, not just physical dimension.

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