politically untenable

USAGE SUMMARY

"politically untenable" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means that something is not politically feasible or is not supported by the majority of people. Example: The governor proposed a new law that would heavily tax the middle class, but it was deemed politically untenable and faced strong backlash from the public.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's politically untenable," he said.

The New York Times

became politically untenable, analysts said.

The New York Times

Imposing further cuts is becoming politically untenable.

The New York Times

But that is becoming politically untenable.

The New York Times

Conrad said that it was politically untenable.

The New Yorker

Community pressure made that option politically untenable.

The Guardian

Carter calls this "politically untenable and morally indefensible".

The New York Times - Books

By the early 1960s, the program was politically untenable.

The New York Times

But those steps were considered politically untenable for the moment.

The Washington Post

Such nepotism would probably be politically untenable today.

The New York Times

For the Conservatives, it would be politically untenable.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase, make sure to clearly articulate the reasons why a particular stance is proving to be "politically untenable".

Common error

While "politically untenable" is widely understood, it carries a formal tone. Avoid using it in casual conversations or informal writing where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "politically untenable" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun (often policy, action, situation). It attributes a quality of unsustainability or infeasibility due to political factors. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "politically untenable" is a correct and widely used adjective phrase that describes a situation, action, or policy that is no longer sustainable or feasible due to political factors. As Ludwig AI confirms, it adheres to standard grammatical rules and is commonly found in news, formal business contexts, and occasionally in science. While versatile, it's best suited for formal discussions and writing where precision is key. Alternatives like "politically impossible" or "politically unacceptable" can be considered for nuanced expression. Remember, when employing the phrase, it is more effective when clearly reasons why a particular stance is proving to be "politically untenable".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

politically impossible

This alternative emphasizes the lack of feasibility due to political constraints.

politically infeasible

Focuses on the impracticality of a situation given political realities.

politically unacceptable

Highlights that something is not tolerated or approved within a political context.

politically unviable

Implies that something cannot survive or succeed politically.

politically indefensible

Suggests that there is no valid political justification for something.

politically problematic

Indicates that something presents difficulties or challenges in the political arena.

politically sensitive

Emphasizes the need for careful handling due to potential political repercussions.

politically difficult

Highlights the challenges and obstacles in achieving something politically.

politically risky

Suggests a high potential for negative political consequences.

politically unwise

Implies that something is not a smart or strategic choice from a political perspective.

FAQs

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

You can use "politically untenable" to describe a policy or action that is no longer supported or sustainable due to political opposition. For example, "The proposed tax reform became politically untenable after widespread public protests".

What are some alternatives to "politically untenable"?

Alternatives include "politically impossible", "politically unacceptable", or "politically unviable". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "politically untenable" the same as "politically unpopular"?

While related, they aren't identical. "Politically unpopular" means something lacks public support. "Politically untenable" suggests the lack of support makes the situation unsustainable or impossible to continue.

What makes a policy "politically untenable"?

A policy becomes "politically untenable" when it faces significant opposition from key political actors, the public, or both, making it difficult or impossible to implement or maintain. This could be due to ethical concerns, economic impacts, or shifts in public opinion.