untenable position (english) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Noun Phrase

Phonetic Transcription

/ʌnˈtɛnəbl pəˈzɪʃən/

Meaning and Usage

The term "untenable position" refers to a situation or stance that is unable to be defended or maintained. It is commonly used in discussions related to debates, arguments, and assessments of situations where particular viewpoints or conditions cannot be justified or sustained anymore. This phrase is often found in written contexts such as academic writing, journalism, and formal discussions, although it can also appear in oral speech, especially in debates and discussions among professionals.

Examples

1. Untenable position In recent negotiations, his refusal to compromise left him in an untenable position.

2. Translation: En las recientes negociaciones, su negativa a comprometerse lo dejó en una posición insostenible.

3. The untenable position created by the rapidly changing laws forced the organization to rethink its strategy.

4. Translation: La posición insostenible creada por las leyes en rápida evolución obligó a la organización a replantear su estrategia.

5. After the evidence was presented, it became clear that she was in an untenable position.

6. Translation: Después de que se presentó la evidencia, quedó claro que ella estaba en una posición insostenible.

Idiomatic Expressions

While "untenable position" itself is not frequently part of many idiomatic expressions, it is often referred to in contexts where stances or situations are described in terms of sustainability or defensibility. Here are a few related expressions that can incorporate the idea of being in an "untenable position":

1. On shaky ground: His arguments are based on faulty assumptions and leave him on shaky ground.

2. Translation: Sus argumentos se basan en suposiciones erróneas y lo dejan en terreno inestable.

3. Back against the wall: The company's decision put them with their backs against the wall, making their position untenable.

4. Translation: La decisión de la empresa los puso con la espalda contra la pared, haciendo que su posición fuera insostenible.

5. Caught between a rock and a hard place: When the child was caught between a rock and a hard place, he found his position untenable.

6. Translation: Cuando el niño se encontró entre la espada y la pared, descubrió que su posición era insostenible.

7. In hot water: His controversial statements put him in hot water, making his position untenable among peers.

8. Translation: Sus declaraciones controvertidas lo pusieron en problemas, haciendo que su posición fuera insostenible entre sus compañeros.

Etymology

The term "untenable" derives from the prefix "un-", meaning "not," combined with "tenable," which comes from the Latin "tenere," meaning "to hold." Thus, "untenable" essentially means "not able to be held." The word "position" has its etymology from Middle French "position," borrowed from Latin "positio," which means "placing, position."

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Indefensible position - Unsustainable position - Insecure stance

Antonyms: - Tenable position - Defensible position - Secure stance