Word
tenuous
Phoneticsten·u·ous, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtɛnjəwəs/
UK/tˈɛnjuːəs/
Definition
adj. very weak or uncertain. You use this to describe a connection, a reason, or a situation that could easily break or fail.
adj. extremely weak, slender, or slight; lacking a sound basis or substantial connection. Often describes abstract links, arguments, or positions of power.
Examples
“The connection between the two events is tenuous.”
“The new government held a tenuous grip on power after the narrow election victory.”
“The prosecutor's case rested on a tenuous link between the suspect's movements and the digital evidence, which the defence quickly challenged during the trial.”
Examples
simple
“The connection between the two events is tenuous.”
contextual
“The new government held a tenuous grip on power after the narrow election victory.”
complex
“The prosecutor's case rested on a tenuous link between the suspect's movements and the digital evidence, which the defence quickly challenged during the trial.”
Usage
Commonly used to modify abstract nouns like 'link', 'connection', 'grip', or 'argument'.
Real-World Examples
“But companies, and individuals, using AI systems often have a tenuous grasp on just how many tokens they are burning through – until they either run out or get their monthly bill.” “The US midterm elections are fast approaching, with the economy front and centre for voters and the Republican hold on Congress looking tenuous.” Etymology
Irregularly formed from Latin tenuis (“thin, slight”) + -ous. Compare tenuious.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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