untenable
|un/ten/a/ble|
C1
🇺🇸
/ʌnˈtɛnəbəl/
🇬🇧
/ʌnˈtɛnəbl̩/
indefensible
Etymology
Etymology Information
'untenable' originates from French, specifically the word 'untenable', where 'un-' meant 'not' and 'tenable' meant 'able to be held or defended'.
Historical Evolution
'untenable' changed from the French word 'untenable' and eventually became the modern English word 'untenable'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'not able to be held or defended', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not able to be maintained or defended against attack or objection.
The theory was untenable in light of new evidence.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45