ENGLISH
REFERENCE

untenable

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ənˈtɛnəbəɫ// UK //ʌntˈɛnəbəl// un·ten·able

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.


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.

Synonyms
Origin

From un- + tenable.

Usage

Commonly follows a linking verb like 'become', 'remain', or 'render'.

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