World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English Dictionariesindefendible
Pronunciation / Transliteration: /in.de.fenˈdi.βle/
"Esa postura teórica es completamente indefendible."
Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
An argument, theory, or position that cannot be maintained or defended against criticism or objections.
"His theory became untenable after the new experimental data was published." - 2
Not able to be occupied or lived in, typically referring to a building or position.
"The cost of living in the city center made their tenancy untenable."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Derived from the English prefix 'un-' (meaning 'not') combined with 'tenable', which originates from the Old French 'tenable' (capable of being held), from the Latin verb 'tenere' (to hold). Historically used in military contexts to describe a position that could no longer be defended against attack, the term evolved to metaphorically describe any theory, argument, or situation that cannot be maintained or defended.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Untenable"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Untenable" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
indéfendable
Transliteration: /ɛ̃.de.fɑ̃.dabl/
"Cette position politique est devenue indéfendable."
unhaltbar
Transliteration: /ˈʊn.halt.baːɐ̯/
"Seine Argumente erwiesen sich als völlig unhaltbar."
insostenibile
Transliteration: /in.sos.te.niˈbi.le/
"La sua tesi è risultata insostenibile di fronte alle prove."
indefendible
Transliteration: /in.de.fenˈdi.βle/
"Esa postura teórica es completamente indefendible."
indefensável
Transliteration: /ĩ.de.fẽˈsɐ.vow/
"O argumento dele tornou-se indefensável após o debate."
असमर्थनीय
Transliteration: asamarthaneeya
"उसका यह तर्क पूरी तरह से असमर्थनीय है।"
站不住脚的
Transliteration: zhàn bu zhù jiǎo de
"这个假设在逻辑上是站不住脚的。"
변호할 수 없는
Transliteration: byeonhohal su eomneun
"그의 주장은 더 이상 지탱할 수 없을 정도로 허술하다."
立証できない
Transliteration: risshō dekinai
"彼の主張はもはや維持できないものとなった。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all Spanish termsA barracks or building intended for the accommodation of soldiers, usually located within a fortified place.
A secondary residence owned or rented by a family or individual, used primarily for recreational purposes, holidays, or seasonal getaways.
Not producing or containing venom; incapable of injecting poison through a bite, sting, or other mechanism.
Explore Nuanced Synonyms for "Untenable"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.