Definition

The state or condition of being unable to be maintained or defended, often used in discussions about arguments or positions that cannot be justified.

Example

The untenability of his argument became clear during the debate.

Conversation

I was reading about climate change, and it mentioned the untenability of our current practices.

That sounds alarming! What do you mean by that?

It basically means that if we keep going this way, our environment won't be able to support us.

Wow, that's a serious issue we need to address.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Untenability → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not), "tenere" (meaning to hold), and "-ability" (meaning the quality of being able to). The word describes the quality of not being able to be held or maintained.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not holding' ('un-' means not, and 'tenere' means to hold) to remember that 'untenability' refers to something that cannot be maintained.

Visually Confused Words