adjective

untenable

/ʌnˈtenəbəl/ · say it: un·TEN·uh·bul

impossible to defend or maintain

In From the Opinion Pages

In more detail

1. (adjective) (of a position, belief, or argument) impossible to defend or justify; not able to be maintained

2. (adjective) (of a place) not suitable to live in or occupy

Examples

1. The theory became untenable after new evidence was discovered.
2. The apartment was in an untenable condition with no heat or running water.

How to use untenable

Untenable describes a position, argument, or belief that cannot be logically or rationally defended. It is more formal and emphatic than 'wrong' or 'flawed,' implying that the position collapses under scrutiny. The second sense (unsuitable to live in) is less common and typically appears in legal or property contexts.

Common phrases

untenable position
untenable argument
untenable claim
untenable situation
render untenable

Synonyms

indefensible · unjustifiable · unsustainable · unreasonable · groundless

Opposites

tenable · defensible · justified

Word family

tenability · tenaciousness · tenacious

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse untenable with untreatable or unfeasible; remember it specifically means logically indefensible, not simply difficult to treat or accomplish.

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