Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day: "Untenable"

Episode Release Date: January 10, 2025
Host: Peter Sokolowski

Introduction

In the January 10th episode of Merriam-Webster's "Word of the Day" podcast, host Peter Sokolowski introduces the adjective "untenable." This episode provides an in-depth exploration of the word, including its definition, usage in context, etymology, and related terms. Designed to enrich listeners' vocabulary, the segment ensures a comprehensive understanding of "untenable" and its application in everyday language.

Definition of "Untenable"

At [00:43], Peter Sokolowski defines "untenable" as follows:

"Untenable is an adjective. Something such as a position, excuse, or situation that is described as untenable cannot be defended against attack, criticism."

This definition emphasizes that an "untenable" stance or argument lacks sufficient justification or support, making it vulnerable to opposition and unable to withstand scrutiny.

Usage in Context

To illustrate the application of "untenable," Sokolowski cites an example from Will I. Fung in The Motley Fool:

"According to the Economist, the disparity between investor enthusiasm about AI and reality might be untenable." [00:43]

He elaborates on this by discussing the current state of artificial intelligence (AI) in the business sector:

• Adoption Rates: Only 5% of US businesses report using AI in their products and services.
• Profitability Concerns: Few AI startups are turning a profit, highlighting a gap between investment and tangible outcomes.
• Financial Strain on AI Leaders: OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, anticipates a loss of approximately $5 billion this year due to substantial expenditures on employee salaries and the significant energy costs required to operate large language models.

This context underscores the "untenable" nature of the mismatch between investor expectations and the practical realities faced by AI businesses.

Etymology and Related Terms

Sokolowski delves into the origins of "untenable," tracing it back to its linguistic roots:

• Old French Origin: Derives from the verb "tenire," meaning "to hold" or "to possess."
• Latin Ancestry: Ultimately originates from the Latin verb "tenere," which also means "to hold," "occupy," or "possess."

He explains that "untenable" is frequently used in scenarios where an idea or position is so fundamentally flawed that maintaining it is unjustifiable. To aid memory retention, Sokolowski associates "untenable" with other words stemming from "tenere," highlighting the common theme of holding or possessing.

Related Terms Include:

• Tenable: Capable of being defended or maintained.
• Tenacious: Holding fast; persistent.
• Contain: To hold or keep within limits.
• Detain: To hold back or keep in custody.
• Sustain: To maintain or support over time.
• Maintain: To continue or preserve.
• Retain: To keep possession of.

Additionally, Sokolowski notes that Spanish speakers may recognize "tenere" as the precursor to "tener," a common verb meaning "to hold" or "to possess."

Practical Applications

Understanding "untenable" equips listeners with the ability to critically evaluate situations, arguments, and positions in various contexts—be it academic, professional, or personal. Recognizing when a stance is untenable encourages intellectual honesty and the pursuit of more robust, defensible viewpoints.

Conclusion

In this episode, Peter Sokolowski effectively breaks down the word "untenable," offering listeners not only its definition but also practical examples and linguistic background. By connecting "untenable" to related terms and real-world contexts, Merriam-Webster's "Word of the Day" fosters a deeper appreciation and mastery of the English language.

For more definitions, wordplay, and trending word lookups, listeners are encouraged to visit Merriam-Webster's website.

Notable Quotes:

• Definition of Untenable:
  "Untenable is an adjective. Something such as a position, excuse, or situation that is described as untenable cannot be defended against attack, criticism." [00:43]

• Example Usage in AI Context:
  "According to the Economist, the disparity between investor enthusiasm about AI and reality might be untenable." [00:43]

This comprehensive summary encapsulates all key points discussed in the podcast episode, providing a clear and engaging overview for those who have not listened to the original content.