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Mr. Tom Posted 12 years ago
Vocabulary

The use of "untenable" and "indefensible"

Hi

Would you say that "untenable" and "indefensible" are essentially synonymous?

Also, how common the word "(un)tenable" is among native speakers?

After he had been caught red-handed, his position was totally indefensible/untenable.

Thanks,

Tom
  

Top answer

Literally, "untenable" means "unable to be held", while "indefensible" obviously means "unable to be defended". "indefensible" tends to have a slightly stronger and more emotionally invested tone. There are also miscellaneous usage differences.

— GPY

  • Literally, "untenable" means "unable to be held", while "indefensible" obviously means "unable to be defended".
  • "indefensible" tends to have a slightly stronger and more emotionally invested tone.
  • There are also miscellaneous usage differences.
  • g.
  • "his behaviour was indefensible"), whereas "untenable" normally is not.
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1 Answers
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Literally, "untenable" means "unable to be held", while "indefensible" obviously means "unable to be defended". "indefensible" tends to have a slightly stronger and more emotionally invested tone. There are also miscellaneous usage differences. "indefensible" can be used about statements and actions (e.g. "his behaviour was indefensible"), whereas "untenable" normally is not. "indefensible" can al
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