untenable

Definitions

un- (not) + tenable (able to be held) = 'not able to be held.' An untenable position can't be defended — whether a battle line that must be abandoned or an argument that crumbles the moment it's questioned. It's the negative twin of tenable, far more common in everyday use.

Common Collocations

• 1.untenable position难以维持的处境
• 2.untenable situation无法维持的局面
• 3.become untenable变得无法维持
• 4.untenable argument站不住脚的论点

Example Sentences

• 1.

  The scandal left his position as chairman untenable.

• 2.

  Their financial situation had become completely untenable.

• 3.

  That theory is untenable in light of the data.