untenable / unstoppable
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untenable
Not defensible or justifiable; refers to a position, claim, or argument that cannot be maintained logically or factually.
Nachdem neue Beweise auftauchten, wurde die Theorie des Forschers unhaltbar.
After new evidence emerged, the researcher's theory became untenable.
intolerable
No longer bearable or acceptable; refers to a situation or condition that has become intolerable.
Die hygienischen Zustände in dem Gebäude waren für die Bewohner unhaltbar.
The hygienic conditions in the building were intolerable for the residents.
unstoppable
In sports: placed or hit so hard that a goalkeeper or defender cannot stop the ball.
Der Stürmer schoss den Ball unhaltbar ins obere Toreck.
The striker shot the ball unstoppably into the upper corner of the goal.
The word consists of the prefix 'un-' and 'haltbar' (durable; able to be held). 'Haltbar' comes from the verb 'halten' (to hold). 'Unhaltbar' means that something cannot be 'held'—whether it is an argument, a situation, or a ball in sports.
Seine Position in der Firma wurde nach dem Skandal unhaltbar.
His position in the company became untenable after the scandal.
The noun that 'unhaltbar' describes reveals the exact meaning. An 'Argument' (argument) or a 'Theorie' (theory) is illogical. A 'Zustand' (condition) or a 'Situation' (situation) is unbearable. A 'Schuss' (shot) or 'Ball' (ball) is unstoppable in sports.
Seine Behauptung ist wissenschaftlich unhaltbar. (Argument)
His claim is scientifically untenable. (argument)
In the meaning 'not defensible', the word is often used with abstract nouns like 'Argument' (argument), 'Behauptung' (claim), 'Theorie' (theory), or 'Position' (position).
Diese Verschwörungstheorie ist völlig unhaltbar.
This conspiracy theory is completely untenable.
When it is about an intolerable situation, typical combinations are 'unhaltbare Zustände' (intolerable conditions) or 'eine unhaltbare Situation' (an intolerable situation). It often describes social or hygienic grievances.
Die Arbeitsbedingungen in der Fabrik waren unhaltbar.
The working conditions in the factory were intolerable.
This meaning is found almost exclusively in sports, especially in ball sports like football or handball. It describes a shot on goal that is so perfect that the goalkeeper has no chance.
Er traf mit einem unhaltbaren Schuss aus 20 Metern.
He scored with an unstoppable shot from 20 meters.
unacceptable
Inakzeptabel and unhaltbar both express strong criticism. Inakzeptabel judges a position to be completely unacceptable. Unhaltbar, by contrast, emphasizes that a position can no longer be defended because it lacks a logical or factual basis.
Seine Position ist unhaltbar, weil alle verfügbaren Fakten ihr widersprechen.
His position is untenable because all the available facts contradict it.
Seine Position ist inakzeptabel, weil sie andere Menschen unfair behandelt.
His position is unacceptable because it treats other people unfairly.
