untenable
(of an argument, thesis, strategy, etc.) incapable of being defended; indefensible: I do not regard atheism as an untenable stance toward the world.
(of a situation or condition) incapable of being sustained or maintained over time: A number of exporters have called for the measure to be withdrawn, maintaining it has imposed an untenable strain on their working capital.
not fit to be occupied, as an apartment, house, etc.
Origin of untenable
1Other words for untenable
Other words from untenable
- un·ten·a·bil·i·ty [uhn-ten-uh-bil-i-tee], /ʌnˌtɛn əˈbɪl ɪ ti/, un·ten·a·ble·ness, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use untenable in a sentence
He proves the utter untenableness of Darwinian principles and repudiates them unqualifiedly.
At the Deathbed of Darwinism | Eberhard DennertIn the last chapter Fleischmann finally attempts to prove on logical principles the untenableness of the evolutionary idea.
At the Deathbed of Darwinism | Eberhard DennertFor Freiherr Eberhard was more strongly convinced than was his father of the untenableness of their present position.
The Dove in the Eagle's Nest | Charlotte M. Yonge
British Dictionary definitions for untenable
/ (ʌnˈtɛnəbəl) /
(of theories, propositions, etc) incapable of being maintained, defended, or vindicated
unable to be maintained against attack
rare (of a house, etc) unfit for occupation
Derived forms of untenable
- untenability or untenableness, noun
- untenably, adverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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