untenable -
An idea or position that cannot be defended against criticism
With new accusations surfacing every day, though Melissa claimed that she was totally innocent, her hold on her job was becoming increasingly untenable.
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verb
sputter -
Make a series of soft explosive sounds, typically when being heated or as a symptom of a fault
The SUV's engine sputtered as it struggled to haul the trailer behind it.
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Kowtow -
To act in an excessively submissive or obedient manner, often to gain favor; to bow or kneel as a sign of deep respect or submission.
In ancient China, people would kowtow before the emperor as a sign of respect.
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plead -
Make an emotional appeal
The starving orphan pleaded with the cook to give him more porridge.
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verb
teeter -
To balance unsteadily, rocking back and forth, almost ready to fall
While on a hike, George saw that the boulder was teetering at the edge of the cliff, and that even slight push could make it crash into the valley below.
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adjective
shaky -
Weak and unstable
The building was not well constructed, and after the earthquake, it had to be torn down because it was so shaky and dangerous.
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noun
wimp -
A weak and cowardly or unadventurous person
Randy wanted to impress girls at the beach, but being a skinny wimp prevented him from doing so.
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Capitulate -
To give in or stop resisting something, often unwillingly.
Tired of arguing, he capitulated and agreed to go with the group’s plan.
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noun
liability -
Something that is likely to cause a problem.
Joe was going to choose Fred as his running mate, but then he realized that Fred's drinking problem would just make him a liability, so he chose someone else.
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noun
malady -
A disease or ailment
Vaccinations have eliminated many maladies that used to sicken millions of people.
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noun
tatters -
Irregularly torn pieces of cloth, paper, or other material
Even though they were poor and their clothes were in tatters, Dorothy's family still possessed a strong pride that kept them hopeful.
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adjective
docile -
Ready to accept control or instruction; submissive
The lion tamer was so talented that any lion near him acted completely docile.
