untenable

[US]/ʌnˈtenəbl/
[UK]/ʌnˈtenəbl/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

adj. (especially in an argument) indefensible, unable to be maintained, impossible to defend

Example Sentences

an intellectually untenable justification for police brutality.

I find your theory is untenable and it must be rejected.

The company's financial situation is untenable.

The argument he presented was untenable.

The decision to cut funding is untenable.

The candidate's position on the issue is untenable.

The current system is untenable and needs to be changed.

The landlord's demands are untenable.

The professor's argument was proven to be untenable.

The plan to increase taxes is untenable.

The company's position on the issue is untenable.

The evidence presented made the defendant's case untenable.

Real-world Examples

It would make an already difficult situation untenable.

Source: Person of Interest Season 5

I mean, this is becoming completely untenable.

Source: Financial Times

I mean, you know, his position would truly be untenable.

Source: NPR News September 2021 Compilation

One MP from his own Conservative Party called his position untenable but several cabinet colleagues have backed Mr. Johnson.

Source: BBC Listening Collection January 2022

It's just untenable and Nancy Pelosi would recognize that as well.

Source: CNN 10 Student English October 2020 Collection

Even routine immunization, which typically occurs in clinics, became untenable in many areas.

Source: New York Times

You can appreciate that under these conditions, our situation had become untenable.

Source: Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea (Original Version)

But, my friends, if that ancient egg ever breaks, this barn will be untenable.

Source: Charlotte's Web

The Party backed his demand. And Prime Minister Letta's position immediately became untenable.

Source: BBC Listening February 2014 Collection

But now admits operational constraints such as the availability of court space may make an April date untenable.

Source: BBC Listening Collection March 2013

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