was utterly untenable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was utterly untenable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, argument, or position that is completely unsustainable or impossible to maintain. Example: "The committee's decision was based on a proposal that was utterly untenable, leading to widespread criticism."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And by the time the 2010 elections were over, even Obama's top political advisers were arguing that Christina Romer's position was utterly untenable.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The LBBC, as a professional body, is utterly untenable in a society that calls and thinks of itself as democratic.

The Guardian - Opinion

He was utterly horrified.

The New Yorker

It was utterly breathtaking.

Independent

I was utterly floored.

The New York Times

I was utterly disappointed.

The New York Times - Books

I was utterly deflated".

The New York Times

She was utterly uninterested.

Independent

Bamiyan was utterly destroyed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was utterly confusing".

The New Yorker

He was utterly confident.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was utterly untenable", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being described as unsustainable or indefensible. Be specific about the reasons why something cannot be maintained or defended.

Common error

Avoid using "was utterly untenable" in casual conversations or informal writing. The phrase carries a formal tone and is best suited for analytical or critical discussions where a strong, reasoned argument is being made.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was utterly untenable" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state or condition of a subject. It asserts that the subject is completely unsustainable or indefensible, as shown in the Ludwig example provided.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was utterly untenable" is a phrase used to express that something is completely unsustainable or indefensible. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It is relatively rare but found in reputable sources such as Huffington Post and The Guardian. The phrase is best used in formal contexts, particularly in News & Media, to convey a strong critical assessment. Consider using synonyms like ""was completely unsustainable"" or ""was absolutely indefensible"" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was completely unsustainable

Replaces "utterly untenable" with synonyms emphasizing lack of sustainability.

was absolutely indefensible

Substitutes with a term focusing on the lack of justification.

was totally impossible to maintain

Expresses the idea with a focus on the impossibility of continuation.

was entirely without merit

Highlights the complete lack of value or justification.

was fundamentally flawed

Indicates a deep, inherent problem making it unsustainable.

was intrinsically unsustainable

Focuses on the inherent inability to continue.

was patently unsustainable

Indicates the unsustainable nature is obvious.

was simply not viable

Emphasizes the lack of practical possibility.

was quite out of the question

Highlights the impossibility or inappropriateness.

was dead in the water

Idiomatic expression for something that cannot succeed.

FAQs

What does "was utterly untenable" mean?

The phrase "was utterly untenable" means that something was completely unsustainable, indefensible, or impossible to maintain. It suggests that the situation, argument, or position in question had no valid basis or could not continue.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "was utterly untenable"?

This phrase is best used in formal or analytical contexts where you want to strongly assert that something is not viable or defensible. It's suitable for critical analysis, debates, or formal writing.

What are some alternatives to "was utterly untenable"?

Alternatives include "was completely unsustainable", "was absolutely indefensible", or "was totally impossible to maintain". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "was utterly untenable" in a sentence?

For example, "The politician's position on the issue was utterly untenable after the new evidence came to light" or "The company's business model was utterly untenable in the face of changing market conditions."