untenable
Say it: un-TEN-uh-bul /ʌnˈtɛnəb(ə)l/ · adjective
What “untenable” means
Impossible to defend or keep going.
More precisely: Not able to be defended or maintained against attack or objection.
Example: “Once the emails leaked, his position as chairman became untenable.”
When to use it
For a position, argument or arrangement that can no longer be defended or maintained. Common in formal criticism and workplace discussions.
Similar words
indefensible, unsustainable, unjustifiable
Quick check
A manager insists one person can run three busy tills at once, but queues keep growing. Her staffing position is…
sustainable or untenable?
Show the answer
untenable
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