Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Very weak, slight, or insubstantial; not strong, solid, or certain: Describes a connection, argument, or idea that is based on very little evidence or logic and is therefore easily broken or dismissed.
   • Very thin in form or consistency; slender or fine: Describes a physical object, like a thread or stream, that is extremely thin or a substance, like a fluid, that is dilute.

Usage and Examples

• Describing a weak connection, argument, or idea:

  • The link between the two events is tenuous at best. (The connection is very weak and not convincingly proven.)
  • He made a tenuous argument that failed to convince the jury. (His reasoning was flimsy and lacked solid support.)
  • Her claim to the inheritance was based on a tenuous family relationship. (The claim was weak because the family connection was distant and not well-established.)

• Describing something physically thin or dilute:

  • A tenuous thread held the precious pendant. (A very fine, fragile thread was used.)
  • The atmosphere becomes increasingly tenuous at high altitudes. (The air becomes very thin and less dense.)
  • The artist painted with a tenuous wash of color. (The paint was applied in a very dilute, faint layer.)

Advanced Usage

• "Tenuous grasp/hold": A very weak understanding or control over something.
  • He has only a tenuous grasp of the fundamental concepts. (His understanding is superficial and not firm.)
• "Tenuous link/connection": A connection that is slight and possibly imagined rather than real.
  • Scientists found only a tenuous link between the diet and the health outcome. (The evidence for a connection was very weak.)

Variants and Related Words

• Tenuously (adverb): In a weak, slight, or insubstantial manner.
  • The theory is tenuously supported by a single piece of evidence.
• Tenuousness (noun): The quality of being tenuous.
  • The tenuousness of his alibi was obvious to the detectives.

Synonyms

• Flimsy: Not strong or solid; easily damaged or destroyed. (e.g., a excuse)
• Fragile: Easily broken or damaged; delicate. (e.g., a peace agreement)
• Insignificant: Too small or unimportant to be worth consideration. (e.g., an detail)
• Slender: Small in amount, degree, or size; limited. (e.g., evidence)
• Thin: Having little, or too little, substance, strength, or density. (e.g., a plot)

Antonyms

• Strong: Powerful and difficult to break or defeat.
• Substantial: Of considerable importance, size, or worth.
• Solid: Firm and stable in shape; not liquid or fluid; based on valid reasoning or evidence.
• Concrete: Existing in a material or physical form; real, solid; specific and definite.

Adjective

1. lacking substance or significance; a fragile claim to fame"
   • slight evidence
   • a tenuous argument
   • a thin plot
2. very thin in gauge or diameter
   • a tenuous thread
3. having thin consistency
   • a tenuous fluid