untenable

/ʌnˈtenəbl/ (bre, ipa) · [əntˈɛnəbəl] /ʌnˈtenəbl/ (ame, ipa) · [əntˈɛnəbəl] /ˌən-ˈte-nə-bəl How to pronounce untenable (audio)/ (ame, mw)

untenable — adjective

  • untenablepositive
  • more untenablecomparative
  • most untenablesuperlative

1. used to describe an idea, theory, or opinion that is so weak or has so many flaw

1.形容詞B2
釋義

used to describe an idea, theory, or opinion that is so weak or has so many flaws that no one can offer good reasons for supporting it anymore.

例句

Omar realized his argument about school funding was **untenable** once Samir showed the budget report.

argument + 'was' + untenable — followed by 'once' clause showing reason

The professor's theory became **untenable** after new DNA evidence contradicted every claim.

同義詞
  • indefensible

    stronger moral tone — suggests deliberate wrongdoing, while 'untenable' suggests logical weakness

  • unsustainable

    focuses on inability to continue over time, while 'untenable' focuses on inability to defend logically

  • unjustifiable

    emphasises lack of valid reason, often for actions rather than ideas

反義詞
  • tenable

    direct opposite; an argument that can be logically supported

  • defensible

    can be defended against attack or criticism

文法句型

be + untenable

become + untenable

prove + untenable

用法筆記

Typically used predicatively with verbs such as 'be', 'become', 'prove', or 'render'. The subject is nearly always an abstract noun — theory, argument, position, claim, assumption. Do not use this sense to describe a person directly: 'He is untenable' is incorrect; instead say 'His position is untenable.'

常見錯誤

❌The politician is untenable because voters do not trust him.
✅The politician's position is untenable because voters do not trust him.
💡'untenable' describes the stance or argument, not the person who holds it.
❌Her idea was untenable and I could not understand it.
✅Her idea was untenable because the data directly contradicted it.
💡use 'untenable' when there is a specific reason the idea cannot be defended, not as a synonym for 'confusing'.

2. used to describe a situation, set of conditions, or a role that has become impos

2.形容詞B2
釋義

used to describe a situation, set of conditions, or a role that has become impossible to maintain because it causes too many problems, conflicts, or difficulties.

例句

The school's financial situation became **untenable** after enrollment dropped by half.

financial subject + become + untenable — cause shown by 'after' clause

Isabela found her living situation **untenable** — her salary could not cover both rent and food.

同義詞
  • unsustainable

    nearly identical; 'unsustainable' is slightly more common for resource-based situations

  • unworkable

    focuses on practical impossibility of continuing, often for a plan or arrangement

  • intolerable

    emphasises how unpleasant the situation has become, not just its impossibility

反義詞

文法句型

become + untenable

grow + untenable

remain + untenable

用法筆記

Commonly describes financial, political, or personal situations that have reached a breaking point. Often paired with adverbs like 'financially', 'politically', 'economically' placed before the adjective. Distinguish from sense 1: sense 2 is about a whole situation or condition that cannot continue, not about an idea that cannot be defended logically.

常見錯誤

❌The traffic was untenable this morning.
✅The commuting situation became untenable after the bridge closed for repairs.
💡'untenable' describes a larger situation that cannot continue, not a temporary annoyance.
❌His lifestyle is untenable.
✅His financial situation is untenable because his expenses are twice his income.
💡specify what aspect of the situation is impossible to maintain.