untenable
UK: ʌnˈtɛnəb(ə)l | US: ʌnˈtɛnəb(ə)l
adj. (of an argument, position, etc.) impossible to defend or justify logically.
adj. (of a building, structure, etc.) unable to be maintained or occupied.
The word "untenable" combines the prefix "un-" (meaning "not"), the root "ten" (from Latin "tenēre," meaning "to hold"), and the suffix "-able" (indicating capability). Literally, it means "not capable of being held." Originally used in the 17th century to describe physical structures (e.g., forts) that could not be defended, it later evolved to describe abstract concepts like arguments or positions that cannot be logically sustained. The shift reflects a metaphorical extension from physical holding to intellectual justification.
His theory was deemed untenable after new evidence contradicted it.
The castle became untenable once the enemy cut off its water supply.
The CEO’s position grew untenable following the scandal.
Without proper funding, the project is financially untenable.
The politician’s argument collapsed under scrutiny, proving entirely untenable.