untenable
Other forms: untenably
If something is untenable, you can't defend it or justify it. If your disagreement with your teacher puts you in an untenable position, you better just admit you made a mistake and get on with it.
When untenable entered English in the 17th century it meant "unable to be held against attack." That sense still holds true: you can use the adjective untenable to describe any situation, position, or theory that simply can't be defended. Untenable is a great word to use when you want to criticize something, whether it's a flawed system or a referee's bad call.
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(of theories, etc.) incapable of being defended or justifiedsynonyms: indefensibleunreasonablenot reasonable; not showing good judgment
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Vocabulary lists containing untenable
In a dystopian society that values beauty above all else, Tally Youngblood faces a choice: undergo cosmetic surgery to become a "pretty" or join a group of rebels.