English vocabulary · C1
Untenable
/ʌnˈtɛnəbəl/ · adj.
It means a position or idea that cannot be defended or kept.
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Example sentences
- The lawyer's case became untenable after new evidence appeared.
- His safety claim was untenable once the data came out.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- un — not (from Latin)
- ten — hold (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- weak (an argument lacks strength or evidence)
- shaky (a position has uncertain foundations)
- flawed (there are clear errors in reasoning)
Words with the same root
tenere — to hold
- retain — to hold back — to keep something in place
- maintain — to hold by hand — to keep something in good condition
- tenacious — holding on firmly — refusing to let go
Lesson notes
Untenable. It means a position or idea that cannot be defended or kept. It cannot hold against facts or pressure.
Similar words are weak, shaky, and flawed. Use untenable when a position completely falls apart under pressure.
The lawyer's case became untenable after new evidence appeared. His safety claim was untenable once the data came out.
Un means not. Ten means hold. When something cannot hold its ground, that is untenable.