Unobtainably Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unobtainably

[ˌʌnəbˈteɪnəbli ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

inaccessibility

In a way that is impossible to reach or acquire.

Synonyms

impossibly, inaccessibly, unreachably.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unobtainably	Used when something cannot be acquired or achieved, often due to it being too difficult or overly ambitious. The treasure was locked away so securely that it was unobtainably hidden from explorers
inaccessibly	Used when something is physically or metaphorically out of reach, making it difficult to get to or understand. The remote village was inaccessibly located deep within the mountains
impossibly	Used to describe situations or tasks that are beyond the realm of possibility, often sounding exaggerated or emphatic. It seemed impossibly difficult to climb the sheer rock face without any climbing gear
unreachably	Used to describe something that cannot be reached or contacted, often due to distance or barriers. The top shelf was unreachably high for anyone shorter than six feet

Examples of usage

He set his goals unobtainably high.
The treasure was hidden unobtainably deep in the cave.
The dream seemed unobtainably distant.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

The concept often ties into discussions about human desires and the limits of what can be possessed.
Philosophers have long debated the nature of desire, often highlighting how the pursuit of the unobtainable can lead to dissatisfaction.
In existential philosophy, the idea of chasing something unobtainable can symbolize the human condition and the search for meaning.

Literature

Many novels and poems explore themes of unattainable love or dreams, illustrating human longing and aspiration.
In Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet,' the love between the characters can be seen as both deeply desired and ultimately unobtainable due to social barriers.
The pursuit of the unattainable often serves as a critical plot point, such as in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 'The Great Gatsby', where Gatsby’s dream of Daisy represents something forever out of reach.

Psychology

Research indicates that striving for unrealistic goals can lead to stress and anxiety, highlighting the impact of chasing what is unobtainable.
The notion of 'the grass is always greener' illustrates how people often desire what they cannot have, which can affect mental well-being.
The 'hedonic treadmill' concept suggests that people quickly return to a baseline level of happiness after achieving goals, especially those that may have seemed unobtainable before.

Pop Culture

In movies and songs, unattainable goals or loves are common themes, reflecting the universal human experience of desire.
Songs like 'I Will Always Love You' often express emotions tied to relationships that are ultimately unreachable or lost.
Movies like 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' explore the idea of trying to forget someone who feels unobtainable, adding layers to the relationship dynamic.

Origin of 'unobtainably'

Main points about word origin

The word 'unobtainably' comes from the root 'obtain', which means to get or acquire.
Adding the prefix 'un-' changes it to mean 'not able to be obtained.'
This word is formed by combining 'un-' (not) with 'obtainable' (able to be gotten) and the suffix '-ly' which turns it into an adverb.

The word 'unobtainably' is a combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' or 'opposite of', the root word 'obtain', and the suffix '-ly' which is used to form adverbs. It first appeared in the English language in the late 19th century.