What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
intenable
Example
The company's financial plan was intenable and had to be revised. [intenable: adjective]
Example
His argument was intenable in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary. [intenable: adjective]
indefensible
Example
The company's decision to lay off workers without notice was indefensible. [indefensible: adjective]
Example
His actions were indefensible and caused harm to many people. [indefensible: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Indefensible is more commonly used than intenable in everyday language. Indefensible is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while intenable is less common and often used in academic or professional contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between intenable and indefensible?
Both intenable and indefensible are formal words that are typically used in serious or professional contexts. However, intenable may be perceived as more technical or specialized than indefensible.