untenable situation

USAGE SUMMARY

'untenable situation' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which the desired outcome is impossible or unachievable. For example, "There was an untenable situation between the two countries, making it impossible for them to reach a mutual agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

That's an untenable situation.

The New York Times

It is an untenable situation".

The New York Times

"This is an untenable situation".

The New York Times

They are in an untenable situation.

The Guardian - Opinion

But this kind of strategy ultimately creates an untenable situation.

The New York Times

"We really do have an untenable situation," he added.

The New York Times

I did my best in an untenable situation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Iran in effect now has two governments – an untenable situation.

The Guardian

"That is an untenable situation... that doesn't foster editorial independence.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

But she had been faced with an untenable situation, he suggested.

The Washington Post

Only when I extricated myself from an untenable situation could healing begin.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "untenable situation" to describe scenarios where continuation is impossible due to logical, ethical, or practical reasons. For example, "Maintaining two conflicting policies created an untenable situation within the company."

Common error

Avoid using "untenable situation" to simply describe a difficult situation. It should be reserved for scenarios that are fundamentally unsustainable and impossible to continue in their current form.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "untenable situation" functions as a noun phrase, where "untenable" modifies "situation". As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe a condition or set of circumstances that cannot be maintained or defended. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

20%

Science

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "untenable situation" is a well-established and frequently used phrase that describes circumstances impossible to sustain or defend. As Ludwig AI states, it is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific sources, the phrase serves to highlight the need for change or resolution. When writing, reserve it for scenarios that are genuinely unsustainable rather than merely difficult. Alternatives like "impossible situation" or "unsustainable position" can offer nuanced expressions of similar meanings. The phrase's widespread use across authoritative sources underscores its reliability and clarity in professional and academic discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impossible situation

Replaces "untenable" with "impossible", emphasizing the lack of feasible solutions.

unsustainable position

Focuses on the inability to maintain the current state.

indefensible position

Highlights the difficulty in justifying or protecting the current stance.

precarious state

Emphasizes the risk and instability of the situation.

difficult predicament

Shifts focus to the challenging and problematic nature of the circumstances.

awkward circumstance

Highlights the uncomfortable or embarrassing nature of the situation.

delicate condition

Focuses on the fragility and need for careful handling.

challenging scenario

Emphasizes the difficulties and obstacles present.

hopeless case

Highlights the lack of potential for a positive outcome.

critical juncture

Focuses on the decisive and potentially dangerous nature of the moment.

FAQs

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

You can use "untenable situation" to describe a scenario that is no longer viable or sustainable. For example: "The company's financial losses created an "untenable situation", forcing them to declare bankruptcy."

What can I say instead of "untenable situation"?

You can use alternatives like "impossible situation", "unsustainable position", or "indefensible position" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "untenable situation" or "untenable circumstance"?

"Untenable situation" is more commonly used to describe a broader set of circumstances that cannot be maintained. While "untenable circumstance" can also be correct, it's less frequently used. Choose the phrase that best fits the specific context you're describing.

What's the difference between "untenable situation" and "difficult situation"?

A "difficult situation" implies challenges and hardships, but doesn't necessarily mean the situation is impossible to continue. An "untenable situation", however, suggests that the circumstances are so problematic that they cannot be sustained or defended in the long run.