tenable

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'tenable' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as an adjective meaning "able to be maintained or defended against attack or objection" or "capable of being held or defended as valid." Example sentence: His argument was not tenable, as the evidence did not support his claims.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The idea that they can lock us out and there will be no change is no longer tenable," Snowden said.

The Guardian

Indeed, the very idea there was a single Ur-text from which later versions diverge either more or less is hardly tenable, as Mr Vermes persuasively argues.Many believers in revealed religion, especially those who regard text as the primary medium of revelation, will find that hard.

The Economist

But returning to the way things were is neither realistic nor morally tenable.

The Economist

It made his own domestic political position even less tenable, Mr Abbas argued.

The Economist

Despite all this, though, the EU is able to function.Yet it is hardly tenable to suggest that the EU's treaties need no changes at all.

The Economist

As Tanvir Ahmed Khan, one of Mr Khokar's predecessors as top official in the foreign ministry, puts it, "there is a grudging recognition that some of the myths that Pakistan has lived by are no longer tenable".

The Economist

But this financing model "is no longer tenable", Mr de Rato's report says.

The Economist

They denounce the Enough Project, a group backed by several Hollywood stars, that was instrumental in imposing what they call a de facto embargo.But the status quo was hardly tenable.

The Economist

Yet the more the market grows, the less tenable that position becomes.Despite all this, the private and independent higher-education sector is growing fast.

The Economist

In the Wiesbaden Manifesto, he and other American archives officers stated that they were "unanimously agreed that the transportation of these works [to America] establishes a precedent which is neither morally tenable nor trustworthy".

The Economist

That is a tenable idea (the al-Qaeda people picked up in Afghanistan are not ordinary prisoners-of-war), but untested in court.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tenable" to describe positions, arguments, or situations that can withstand scrutiny or challenges, enhancing the credibility of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "tenable" when describing something that is merely possible or speculative. "Tenable" implies a degree of solidity and defensibility, so ensure that the subject truly meets that criterion.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "tenable" primarily functions to describe the quality of an argument, position, or situation as being defensible or maintainable. It suggests that something can withstand scrutiny or challenge, as demonstrated by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "tenable" is a versatile word used to describe something that is defensible, justifiable, or maintainable. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts including news, science, and formal business settings. Its function is to convey that a particular viewpoint or course of action is reasonable and justifiable. While "tenable" enjoys widespread use, it's important to ensure that the context supports the implication of solidity and defensibility. Alternatives like "defensible", "justifiable", and "supportable" offer nuanced options for expressing similar concepts. When striving for clear and persuasive communication, "tenable" proves to be a valuable asset.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defensible

Focuses specifically on the ability to protect or justify a position against attack or criticism.

justifiable

Emphasizes the existence of sufficient reasons or grounds to support or defend something.

supportable

Highlights the capacity of an idea or argument to be upheld or maintained with evidence.

maintainable

Stresses the ability to keep something in existence or continue it without significant difficulty.

well-founded

Indicates that something is based on solid evidence or sound reasoning.

viable

Implies the capability of working successfully or being practically feasible.

sustainable

Suggests the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level over a period of time.

plausible

Indicates that something is seemingly or apparently reasonable or believable.

credible

Highlights the quality of being believable and trustworthy.

arguable

Suggests that something is open to debate or discussion, but with a reasonable basis.

FAQs

How can I use "tenable" in a sentence?

Use "tenable" to describe something that is capable of being defended or maintained. For example, "The scientist argued that his hypothesis was "tenable" based on the available evidence."

What is a good alternative to "tenable"?

Alternatives to "tenable" include "defensible", "justifiable", or "supportable". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say something is 'less tenable'?

Yes, it is correct to say something is "less tenable". This indicates that the thing in question is more difficult to defend or maintain compared to something else.

What's the difference between "tenable" and "viable"?

"Tenable" refers to something that can be defended or maintained, while "viable" refers to something that is capable of working successfully. A plan might be "viable" (capable of succeeding) but not "tenable" (difficult to defend due to ethical concerns).