Word
untenable
Phoneticsun·ten·able
US/ənˈtɛnəbəɫ/
UK/ʌntˈɛnəbəl/
Definition
adj. impossible to defend or continue because of a serious problem or mistake. You use this to describe a situation, like a job or an argument, that cannot last any longer.
adj. incapable of being defended, maintained, or occupied against attack or criticism. Often describes positions, arguments, or professional situations that have become impossible to sustain.
Examples
“His position at the company became untenable after the scandal.”
“The senator's argument was rendered untenable when new evidence proved his initial assumptions were entirely false.”
“As the structural integrity of the building continued to fail, the residents found themselves in an untenable living situation that required immediate evacuation by the local authorities.”
Examples
simple
“His position at the company became untenable after the scandal.”
contextual
“The senator's argument was rendered untenable when new evidence proved his initial assumptions were entirely false.”
complex
“As the structural integrity of the building continued to fail, the residents found themselves in an untenable living situation that required immediate evacuation by the local authorities.”
Usage
Commonly follows a linking verb like 'become', 'remain', or 'render'.
Real-World Examples
“Henderson called the opt-out register “a very significant initiative”, claiming it was “untenable” that people would be expected to individually opt out of ads on each website, streaming service and social media platform.” “The latest proposed US levy has stoked concern about financial devastation and untenable export costs among Canadian business owners, the CBC reported.” “And the results of one examination determining a person’s entire future really creates untenable pressure on young people,” said Eaton, a leading expert on academic ethics.” Etymology
From un- + tenable.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- 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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englishreference.com/q/untenable