Words / C2

TEN-yoo-uh-s/ˈtenjuəs/

Tenuous means thin, weak, and uncertain — a grip, a link, a claim. Use it instead of weak when you want the image of something that could snap. It is fairly usable in educated speech; shaky or thin still sounds less essay-like.

Meaning

Weak and uncertain; having little substance.

Examples

• “The link between the two studies is tenuous.”
• “Their hold on the seat looks tenuous.”
• “The chapter rests on a tenuous analogy.”

Good to know

Thin and shaky. Everyday: weak / shaky.

Near in meaning

shaky

New