Meaning & Definition of word "Unattainable"
Unattainable
/ˌʌn.əˈteɪ.nə.bəl/
adjective:
- 1. Not capable of being achieved or reached.
- Example: For many, the ideal of a perfect life may seem unattainable.
- 2. Beyond one's reach or ability.
- Example: The scientist's goal of discovering a cure for all diseases seemed utterly unattainable.
- 3. Impractical or unrealistic to pursue.
- Example: Her dreams of becoming a movie star felt unattainable given the fierce competition.
- 4. Inaccessible or elusive.
- Example: The concept of true happiness is often considered unattainable.
Etymology
●From the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'attainable' from 'attain', which comes from Old French 'ateindre' meaning 'to reach'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
the unattainable dream:
A goal or aspiration that seems impossible to achieve.
chasing the unattainable:
Pursuing something that is unlikely or impossible to obtain.
Related Words
attain:
To achieve or accomplish something.
achievable:
Capable of being achieved.
goal:
An aim or desired result that one wishes to achieve.
Slang Meanings of unattainable
Meaning: Pipe dream
● Example Sentence: Thinking you can become a rock star overnight is just a pipe dream.
Meaning: Moonshot
● Example Sentence: His idea of traveling to Mars is a total moonshot.