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Unobtainable: meaning, definitions and examples

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unobtainable

 

[ˌʌnəbˈteɪnəbəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

inaccessible

Not able to be obtained or reached; out of reach; impossible to achieve.

Synonyms

impossible, inaccessible, out of reach.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unobtainable

Use when something cannot be obtained or acquired, often due to external factors or limitations.

  • The rare book was unobtainable, even after months of searching
inaccessible

Use when something cannot be reached or entered, often due to physical barriers or lack of access.

  • The remote village was inaccessible due to heavy snowfall
impossible

Use when something cannot happen under any circumstances, suggesting it defies logic or natural laws.

  • It's impossible to travel faster than the speed of light
out of reach

Use when something is physically or figuratively beyond one's grasp, often implying that it's not achievable despite efforts.

  • For many people, affordable healthcare is still out of reach

Examples of usage

  • It seemed like her dream of becoming a famous singer was unobtainable.
  • Their goal of winning the championship felt unobtainable after the star player got injured.
Context #2 | Adjective

unrealistic

Not realistic or practical; not within the realm of possibility.

Synonyms

impractical, unachievable, unrealistic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unobtainable

Use this word when something cannot be acquired or reached, often because it is beyond one's reach or is rare.

  • The rare gem was unobtainable for most collectors.
  • Due to budget constraints, the latest equipment is unobtainable for our lab.
unrealistic

Use this word when something is not reasonable or realistic to expect, often because it is too idealistic or far-fetched.

  • Expecting a 100% success rate is unrealistic.
  • Her plans to become a star overnight are completely unrealistic.
impractical

Use this word when something is not sensible or feasible to do, often because it doesn't work well in real-life situations or is too complicated.

  • Carrying a large suitcase on a bike is impractical.
  • The idea of having a pet tiger is exciting but impractical.
unachievable

Use this word when something cannot be accomplished or reached, often because it is too difficult or impossible with the current means or abilities.

  • Completing the marathon in under two hours is unachievable for most people.
  • Without significant investment, their goals are unachievable.

Examples of usage

  • Their demands for a 50% raise were deemed unobtainable by the company.
  • The deadline they set for the project was unobtainable given the scope of work.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not', and 'obtain', which has roots in the Latin word 'obtinere', meaning 'to hold'.
  • 'Obtainable' dates back to the early 19th century, while 'unobtainable' formally joined the language shortly after to denote things that are out of reach.

Literature

  • The concept of the unobtainable is a recurring theme in many classic works, symbolizing unattainable love or goals.
  • In Shakespeare’s works, characters often long for what is beyond their reach, illustrating the human condition of desire.

Psychology

  • The unobtainable can create a sense of longing, which often leads to stronger motivation to achieve or possess something.
  • In therapy, exploring feelings about unobtainable desires can help individuals understand their goals and motivations better.

Economics

  • In economic terms, items deemed unobtainable can lead to scarcity, driving demand and increasing their perceived value.
  • The concept of 'opportunity cost' relates closely to unobtainable resources, highlighting what is sacrificed when pursuing limited options.

Cultural References

  • In popular culture, the term often appears in songs and films where characters express yearning for something just out of reach.
  • Films like 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' explore the pain of love that feels unobtainable, resonating with many viewers.

Translations

Translations of the word "unobtainable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inacessível

🇮🇳 अप्राप्य

🇩🇪 unerreichbar

🇮🇩 tidak dapat dicapai

🇺🇦 недосяжний

🇵🇱 nieosiągalny

🇯🇵 入手不可能

🇫🇷 inaccessible

🇪🇸 inaccesible

🇹🇷 ulaşılamaz

🇰🇷 얻을 수 없는

🇸🇦 غير ممكن الحصول عليه

🇨🇿 nedosažitelný

🇸🇰 nedosiahnuteľný

🇨🇳 无法获得

🇸🇮 nedosegljiv

🇮🇸 óaðgengilegur

🇰🇿 қол жетпейтін

🇬🇪 მიუწვდომელი

🇦🇿 əlçatmaz

🇲🇽 inaccesible

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,190, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.