untenable
adjective
Not able to be maintained or defended against attack or objection; not able to be occupied or lived in.
Etymology
From un- "not" + tenable, from French tenable, from tenir "to hold," from Latin tenere "to hold."
Examples in Use
- 1.
"The position became untenable after new evidence emerged."
- 2.
"Rising costs made the business model untenable."
- 3.
"The logic of his argument was ultimately untenable."
Related Vocabulary
Synonyms
Related Words
Fun Fact
Tenable and tenure share the Latin root tenere "to hold." A tenable position can be held; tenure is holding a position long-term. Related: tenacious (holding firmly), tenant (one who holds property).
Word Game Tips
Letters: 9 letters (U, N, T, E, N, A, B, L, E)
Scrabble Value: 11 points
Tip: Words ending in "LE" are often good scoring opportunities.
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