tenability

USAGE SUMMARY

"tenability" is a valid and commonly used word in written English.
It is usually used to mean the quality or state of being capable of being held or maintained. For example, "The tenability of his opinion was called into question by his peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Realists frequently deny the tenability of this distinction, arguing that there is no "theory-neutral" language in which observations may be reported, or at any rate that there is no sharp, principled division between what is observable and what is not.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They questioned the tenability of basing moral relations on an implied social contract in which individuals promise to behave morally toward others on the condition they behave morally toward them and they demonstrated the critical role of trust in establishing an environment conducive to moral interaction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That view soon lost tenability.

The New Yorker

Doesn't destroying the tenability of air travel deal western civilisation a truly crippling blow?

The Guardian - Opinion

For one, it lurks at the edge of tenability when it describes the electricity illuminating Ponyboy's "skeletal structure".

The New York Times

This feature proves significant in several discussions about the tenability of "cheap haecceitism".

SEP

And this connects with familiar debates as to the tenability of externalist views in the philosophy of mind.

SEP

(There is a lot to be said about the tenability of this view, but that is not the topic of this entry).

SEP

For example, some of Derek Parfit's work on personal identity is supposed to undermine the importance of personal identity as such, and that in turn might undermine the tenability of agent-relativity (see Parfit 1984).

SEP

Because eliminative materialism is grounded in the claim that common sense psychology is radically false, arguments for eliminativism are generally arguments against the tenability of folk psychology.

SEP

A discussion of the tenability of this explanation of political and psychological decadence will not be pursued here.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When evaluating the "tenability" of a theory or argument, consider both its logical consistency and empirical support. A tenable position should be coherent and aligned with available evidence.

Common error

Avoid using "tenability" to simply indicate something is possible. "Tenability" suggests a position is not only possible but also defensible and sustainable under scrutiny. Use "possibility" if you only mean something can happen.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "tenability" is that of a noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, it refers to the quality or state of being tenable. Examples show it describing the state of a distinction, a view, or a theory, all nouns.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

20%

News & Media

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tenability" functions as a noun that signifies the quality of being defensible or sustainable. As Ludwig AI explains, it is commonly used in formal and academic contexts to evaluate the strength and validity of arguments, theories, or positions. The analysis of usage patterns reveals its prevalence in scientific, encyclopedic, and news media sources. Understanding its correct usage helps ensure precision and rigor in writing, particularly when engaging in critical analysis. Remember to consider both logical consistency and empirical support when discussing "tenability", and avoid using it to merely indicate possibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defensibility

Replaces "tenability" with a direct synonym, emphasizing the ability to be defended against criticism.

justifiability

Emphasizes the ability to be shown to be right or reasonable.

reasonableness

Highlights the quality of being fair, appropriate, and sensible.

soundness

Indicates the robustness and reliability of an argument or system.

validity

Emphasizes the logical correctness or factual accuracy of a claim or argument.

plausibility

Focuses on the believability or likelihood of something being true or successful.

acceptability

Focuses on the degree to which something is likely to be approved or tolerated.

sustainability

Shifts the focus to the ability to be maintained or supported over time, rather than just being logically sound.

credibility

Shifts focus to the quality of being trusted and believed in.

viability

Highlights the practical feasibility or workability of something, rather than its theoretical soundness.

FAQs

How is "tenability" typically used in academic writing?

"Tenability" is often employed in academic and philosophical discourse to assess the defensibility or sustainability of a theory, argument, or position. For instance, one might question the "tenability" of a particular interpretation of quantum mechanics.

What are some synonyms for "tenability"?

Alternatives to "tenability" include "defensibility", "validity", "plausibility", and "justifiability". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

How does "tenability" differ from "feasibility"?

"Tenability" refers to the logical or theoretical defensibility of something, while "feasibility" concerns its practical possibility. A plan might be feasible (possible to execute) but lack "tenability" (not logically sound or supportable by evidence).

Can "tenability" be applied to non-academic contexts?

While "tenability" is commonly found in academic and formal writing, it can also be used in other contexts where the defensibility or sustainability of a position or plan is being evaluated. For example, one might discuss the "tenability" of a business strategy or a political stance.