tenuous position

USAGE SUMMARY

"tenuous position" is correct and can be used in written English.
You might use it to describe a situation in which it is difficult to remain in control or secure, such as a politician's position in a contentious election. For example, "The candidate is facing a tenuous position in her reelection efforts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

But she is in a tenuous position.

The New York Times - Sports

And her tenuous position shows just how dangerous a place the political middle has become.

The New York Times

Only wins, a lot of wins, can rescue Randolph from his tenuous position.

The New York Times - Sports

Almost gone and still in a tenuous position, Knoblauch wants to stay.

The New York Times - Sports

And I put my family into a tenuous position there for a while.

The New York Times - Sports

It also puts the city in a tenuous position of being perceived as a tool for pressuring a union.

The New York Times

With every Pacquiao triumph, every career ended, Trampler finds himself in a less enviable, more tenuous position.

The New York Times - Sports

The TFG's tenuous position is not helped by Kenya's reaching out to Israel for help on stamping on the Shabab.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

LETTER FROM BURBANK about the "Tonight Show" and host Jay Leno's tenuous position--as well as about the firing of his long-time manager and the show's….

The New Yorker

LETTER FROM BURBANK about the "Tonight Show" and host Jay Leno's tenuous position--as well as about the firing of his long-time manager and the show's executive producer Helen Kushnick.

The New Yorker

The New Yorker, November 9, 1992 P. 46 LETTER FROM BURBANK about the "Tonight Show" and host Jay Leno's tenuous position--as well as about the firing of his long-time manager and the show's executive producer Helen Kushnick.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tenuous position", ensure the context clearly indicates the source of instability or vulnerability. Be specific about what makes the position insecure.

Common error

Avoid using "tenuous position" when the situation is merely challenging but not genuinely unstable. Overusing it can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tenuous position" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "tenuous" modifies the noun "position". It typically describes a state or situation characterized by instability, weakness, or vulnerability. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Sports

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tenuous position" effectively conveys a state of instability or vulnerability, frequently appearing in news and media contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and common usage make it a reliable choice for expressing concern over precarious situations. When employing this phrase, it is important to consider the specific context and source of the instability to ensure accurate and impactful communication. Alternatives like "precarious situation" or "unstable footing" may offer similar meanings with subtle variations that better suit the intended message. Remember to avoid overusing it to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Precarious situation

Replaces 'position' with 'situation', emphasizing the overall circumstances rather than a specific role or status.

Unstable footing

Focuses on the lack of solid support or security in a situation.

Fragile state

Highlights the delicacy and vulnerability of the situation, suggesting it could easily collapse.

Vulnerable stance

Emphasizes the susceptibility to harm or attack.

Insecure standing

Underscores the lack of confidence and safety in one's current situation.

Weakened state

Suggests a prior strength that has now diminished, making the position less secure.

Compromised position

Indicates that the position has been undermined or damaged, often due to external factors.

Threatened status

Highlights the risk of losing the current status or position.

Dubious situation

Focuses on the uncertainty and questionable nature of the circumstances.

Shakey ground

Emphasizes lack of stability and potential for collapse.

FAQs

How can I use "tenuous position" in a sentence?

You can use "tenuous position" to describe someone or something that is vulnerable or unstable. For example, "The company's financial situation left it in a "tenuous position"."

What are some alternatives to "tenuous position"?

Alternatives include "precarious situation", "unstable footing", or "fragile state", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "tenuous position" formal or informal?

"Tenuous position" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase, suitable for use in news articles, academic papers, and professional communications.

What makes a situation a "tenuous position"?

A "tenuous position" is characterized by instability, vulnerability, and a high risk of failure or collapse. Factors contributing to this state may include financial difficulties, political instability, or lack of support.