German word

unhaltbar

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʊnˌhaltbaːɐ̯/

Meaning

  • adjectiveindefensible

Example

Seine unhaltbare Argumentation überzeugte niemanden.

His indefensible argument convinced no one.

Illustration for unhaltbar (indefensible)

More examples

Unter unhaltbaren Bedingungen brachen die Verhandlungen ab.

Under indefensible conditions, the negotiations broke down.

Core concept

A claim has no support left and collapses when examined.

Common phrases

  • eine unhaltbare Situation

    an indefensible situation

  • eine unhaltbare Behauptung

    an indefensible claim

  • unter unhaltbaren Bedingungen

    under indefensible conditions

Similar words

unvertretbar: Not defensible because it violates ethical or logical standards.
unbegründet: Without adequate grounds or reasons for acceptance.
haltlos: Entirely unsupported and therefore unreliable.
untragbar: Unacceptable because the problems are too serious.

Definition in German

Sachlich oder moralisch nicht zu rechtfertigen; nicht haltbar.

Word origin

Unhaltbar combines the negative prefix un- with haltbar, formed from halten, 'to hold', and the suffix -bar, meaning 'able to be'.

Usage tips

  • Unhaltbar often describes an argument, excuse, or position as indefensible or untenable, while unsustainable is more common for processes or conditions that cannot continue.

Other meanings

  • unsustainableadjective

Opposites

  • rechtfertigbarjustifiableadjective
  • vertretbardefensibleadjective

Related words

  • Unhaltbarkeitindefensibilitynoun

Word lists with this word