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Unattainable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unattainable

[หŒสŒnษ™หˆteษชnษ™bษ™l ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

inaccessible

Impossible to achieve or reach.

Synonyms

impossible, out of reach, unachievable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unattainable

This word is often used when referring to goals or dreams that are very difficult or unlikely to be achieved, but not completely out of the realm of possibility.

  • Her dream of becoming a world-famous actress seemed unattainable.
  • The peak seemed unattainable for the amateur climbers.
impossible

Use this word when something cannot happen, no matter the circumstances. It carries a very strong sense of certainty that something cannot be achieved or done.

  • It's impossible for humans to live without oxygen.
  • Lifting that weight is impossible without training.
out of reach

This phrase is used for something that seems to be within sight or consideration, but is beyond someone's ability to obtain or achieve at the present moment.

  • Winning the championship is still out of reach for our team this year.
  • The cost of the house is out of reach for a young couple just starting out.
unachievable

Similar to 'unattainable', this word is used when something cannot be achieved or is too difficult to achieve under the current conditions or abilities.

  • Given the current technology, the task is unachievable.
  • Passing the exam without any study is unachievable.

Examples of usage

  • It seemed like an unattainable goal at first, but with determination, she managed to accomplish it.
  • The summit of the mountain looked unattainable from where they were standing.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • It's often discussed in philosophical contexts, particularly in relation to goals and desires that may not align with human capabilities.
  • Many philosophers argue that the pursuit of unattainable goals can lead to deeper self-understanding, even if the goals are never reached.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that striving for unattainable goals can lead to feelings of frustration and disappointment, affecting mental health.
  • Conversely, having some unattainable goals can motivate individuals to strive for improvement, fostering resilience and personal growth.

Literature

  • In literature, unattainable dreams often symbolize deeper human struggles, such as Gatsby's pursuit of Daisy in 'The Great Gatsby.'
  • Many poetic works explore the beauty of longing for the unattainable, creating emotional resonance with readers.

Pop Culture

  • Movies frequently showcase characters chasing unattainable dreams, which reflect real-life struggles, as seen in 'A Star is Born.'
  • The term can also be linked to popular songs that depictthe angst of longing for things out of reach, contributing to relatable narratives.

Origin of 'unattainable'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not,' and 'attainable,' which derives from the Latin 'attingere,' meaning 'to reach.'
  • The word has been in use since the 16th century, initially appearing in literature to describe things that are beyond reach.

The word 'unattainable' originates from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the verb 'attain' meaning 'to achieve'. The combination of these two parts forms the adjective 'unattainable', which has been used in English since the 17th century. The concept of something being unattainable is universal, as people often face challenges and obstacles that seem impossible to overcome.

See also: attain, attainability, attainable, attaining, attainment, unattainability, unattainably, unattained.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,202, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.