Unobtainable

/ˌʌnəbˈteɪnəbl/

Meaning & Definition

adjective
Not able to be obtained; impossible to acquire.
The rare artifact was deemed unobtainable for any museum due to its high private ownership.
Something that is out of reach or cannot be attained.
Her dream of traveling to Mars seemed unobtainable with current technology.
Being unattainable, often due to limitations or circumstances.
In this economic climate, job security is an unobtainable goal for many recent graduates.

Etymology

From the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'obtainable' from 'obtain'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

Like finding a needle in a haystack:
Referring to something that is extremely difficult to find or obtain.
A pipe dream:
An unrealistic hope or fantasy that is unattainable.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

Living legend
He's a living legend – actually, unobtainable, just like a rare Pokémon!
High maintenance
When it comes to relationships, she's unobtainable, always acting so high maintenance.