Unattainable

/ˌʌn.əˈteɪ.nə.bəl/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Not capable of being achieved or reached.

For many, the ideal of a perfect life may seem unattainable.

Beyond one's reach or ability.

The scientist's goal of discovering a cure for all diseases seemed utterly unattainable.

Impractical or unrealistic to pursue.

Her dreams of becoming a movie star felt unattainable given the fierce competition.

Inaccessible or elusive.

The concept of true happiness is often considered unattainable.

From the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'attainable' from 'attain', which comes from Old French 'ateindre' meaning 'to reach'.

the unattainable dream

A goal or aspiration that seems impossible to achieve.

chasing the unattainable

Pursuing something that is unlikely or impossible to obtain.

attain

To achieve or accomplish something.

achievable

Capable of being achieved.

goal

An aim or desired result that one wishes to achieve.

Pipe dream

Thinking you can become a rock star overnight is just a pipe dream.

Moonshot

His idea of traveling to Mars is a total moonshot.