tenuous
What does "tenuous" mean?
Tenuous describes something that is very weak, flimsy, or lacking a solid foundation. Think of a thin, fragile thread that could snap at any moment; if a person's grasp on reality, a theory, or a connection is tenuous, it is barely holding together and is highly susceptible to breaking. You will most often hear this used in professional or academic contexts to criticize arguments or relationships. It implies that while something technically exists, it is so faint or unreliable that it cannot be depended upon. It is a sophisticated way to point out that a claim lacks strong evidence or that a link between two things is barely perceptible.
"tenuous" in conversation
Discussing a job lead
Do you think you'll get that promotion?
Do you think you'll get that promotion?
My connection to the manager is pretty tenuous, so I wouldn't count on it.
My connection to the manager is pretty tenuous, so I wouldn't count on it.
Used here to describe a weak professional link.
Debating a theory
The evidence for his theory is incredibly tenuous.
The evidence for his theory is incredibly tenuous.
I agree; he's making a huge leap based on almost nothing.
I agree; he's making a huge leap based on almost nothing.
Highlights that a claim lacks substantial support.
"tenuous" in a sentence
The spider's web was tenuous and thin.
The spider's web was tenuous and thin.
They maintain a tenuous hold on the lead in the race.
They maintain a tenuous hold on the lead in the race.
His argument relies on a tenuous link between two unrelated historical events.
His argument relies on a tenuous link between two unrelated historical events.
