Attainability Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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attainability

[əˌteɪnəˈbɪləti ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

ability to achieve something

Attainability refers to the quality or state of being achievable or attainable. It is the likelihood or possibility of successfully reaching a goal or target.

Synonyms

achievable, feasible, reachable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
attainability	Used to describe the quality of being able to be achieved, particularly when discussing goals or objectives. The attainability of our sales targets is crucial for planning.
achievable	Used to describe something that can be accomplished, often in a context of setting goals or tasks. The project deadline is achievable if everyone works efficiently.
feasible	Used to talk about the practicality or possibility of something, often in terms of plans or solutions. The proposed business plan is financially feasible.
reachable	Used to describe something that can be physically reached or contacted, often referring to locations or people. The mountain peak is hardly reachable without special equipment. Are you reachable by phone this weekend?

Examples of usage

The attainability of our sales target is in question due to the current economic situation.
Setting realistic goals is important to ensure attainability.
Attainability is a key factor in determining the feasibility of a project.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Research indicates that people are more motivated to pursue goals that are perceived as attainable, enhancing their commitment and effort.
The theory of self-efficacy states that believing you can achieve something increases your chances of actually achieving it.
Setting realistic goals that are deemed attainable can lead to improved mental well-being and lower stress levels.

Education

In educational contexts, attainability impacts students’ choices of career paths and academic goals, as they gauge which are realistically achievable.
Teachers often incorporate attainable goals into lesson plans to help students feel a sense of accomplishment and enhance learning retention.
Educational frameworks, like SMART goals, emphasize the importance of setting goals that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Business

In strategic planning, defining the attainability of a goal helps organizations allocate resources effectively and set realistic timelines.
Many startups focus on attainable milestones to attract investors, as they showcase a practical approach to growth and development.
Performance metrics in business often evaluate the attainability of set targets to maintain motivation and accountability among teams.

Philosophy

Philosophers often debate the concept of attainability in relation to happiness, pondering what goals truly lead to fulfillment.
Existentialist thought questions whether some goals are inherently unattainable, provoking discussions about purpose and desire.
The idea of attainable goals has permeated discussions of ethics, especially in debates about equitable access to opportunities.

Origin of 'attainability'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the root 'attain,' which means to achieve something, combined with the suffix '-ability' that means 'capable of.'
Originally, the word can be traced back to Latin roots, where 'ad' means 'to' and 'tenere' means 'hold.'
The concept of achieveing or obtaining something has been part of the English language since the 14th century.

The word 'attainability' originated from the verb 'attain' which comes from the Old French word 'ataindre' meaning 'to reach, accomplish'. The suffix '-ability' was added to 'attain' to form 'attainability', creating a noun that describes the quality of being achievable.