What does "untenable" mean?

The term "untenable" refers to a situation, condition, or argument that is impossible to maintain or sustain. When something is described as untenable, it suggests that it cannot be upheld under scrutiny or due to circumstances, often because it lacks a solid foundation or has become impractical.

For instance, in a discussion about a policy that has failed to produce the desired outcomes over time, one might argue that the policy is untenable because continuing it would not be feasible or justifiable based on the current evidence. Therefore, recognizing the meaning of "untenable" is essential for understanding contexts where something is unsustainable or no longer viable.