completely untenable

USAGE SUMMARY

"completely untenable" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a position, argument, or situation that is impossible to defend or maintain. For example: "The evidence presented was so weak that the defendant's case became completely untenable." Alternative expressions include "utterly indefensible" and "entirely unsustainable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

"This is completely untenable.

The Guardian

So it's completely untenable".

The Guardian

Some critics feel that the unrealistic nature of its assumptions makes marginal-productivity theory completely untenable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Douglas Alexander, the International Development Secretary, said that it had made Lord Ashcroft's position within the Tory party, "completely untenable".

Independent

Despite commendable efforts by the Governments of Papua New Guinea and Nauru, arrangements in both countries have proved completely untenable.

The Guardian

It is completely untenable that [the current permanent residency process for non-EU citizens] could be the process that would be in place for EU citizens.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

It would be totally untenable".

The New York Times

His position is totally untenable.

The Guardian

That's completely unsustainable and morally untenable.

Huffington Post

Make the entire college admissions process so untenable that you are so completely shattered by the time you enroll them, you numbly hand them over every penny you've ever saved, hoping the eye twitch goes away.

Huffington Post

More critically, if diffusion rather than advection is the dominant contaminant migration mechanism, then no liner will be completely impermeable to pollutants and the containment strategy becomes untenable.

Engineering Geology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "completely untenable", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being deemed unsustainable or indefensible. Avoid using it in ambiguous situations where the subject of unsustainability isn't clear.

Common error

While "completely untenable" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation. Opt for more informal alternatives like "impossible" or "unrealistic" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "completely untenable" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun, describing it as impossible to defend or maintain. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage in various contexts. It serves to express strong disagreement or highlight the infeasibility of something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "completely untenable" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjectival phrase that effectively conveys the idea that something is impossible to defend or maintain. Ludwig AI identifies it as appropriate for various contexts. It is most commonly found in news, encyclopedias, and scientific sources. When writing, be mindful of the context and audience to ensure the phrase's formality aligns with the overall tone. Alternatives like "totally indefensible" or "utterly unsustainable" can be used to add nuance. Avoid overuse in casual contexts to maintain a natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

totally indefensible

Emphasizes the lack of justification or defense for something.

utterly unsustainable

Highlights the inability of something to be maintained or continued.

entirely impossible

Focuses on the lack of feasibility or possibility.

absolutely groundless

Stresses the absence of any factual basis or justification.

patently absurd

Emphasizes the obvious ridiculousness or irrationality.

wholly illogical

Highlights the lack of logical reasoning or coherence.

simply not viable

Focuses on the impracticality and unworkability of something.

entirely unacceptable

Emphasizes that something cannot be tolerated or approved.

clearly unsustainable

Highlights the unsustainable nature of something in an obvious way.

thoroughly impractical

Focuses on the lack of practicality and feasibility.

FAQs

How can I use "completely untenable" in a sentence?

Use "completely untenable" to describe a situation, argument, or position that is impossible to defend or maintain. For example: "The defendant's argument became "completely untenable" once the new evidence was presented".

What are some alternatives to saying "completely untenable"?

You can use alternatives such as "totally indefensible", "utterly unsustainable", or "entirely impossible", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something is "partially untenable"?

While grammatically possible, "partially untenable" is less common. "Largely untenable" or "partially unsustainable" might be better alternatives depending on the context.

What makes a position "completely untenable" versus simply "untenable"?

Adding "completely" emphasizes the absolute impossibility of maintaining or defending the position. It strengthens the assertion that the position is unsustainable.