Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Unrealistic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿค”
Add to dictionary

unrealistic

[หŒสŒnriหˆlษชstษชk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in a negative context

Not realistic; not seeming or being likely to happen or be true.

Synonyms

fantasy, impractical, unfeasible.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
unrealistic

Used when describing expectations, goals, or plans that are not practical or achievable in the real world.

  • Expecting to become an expert in foreign languages in just one week is unrealistic
impractical

Used when describing ideas, methods, or objects that are not useful or realistic in real-life situations.

  • Wearing high heels on a hiking trip is impractical
unfeasible

Used when referring to tasks or plans that cannot be carried out or are impossible to achieve.

  • Building a bridge across the entire ocean is unfeasible with current technology
fantasy

Used when talking about imaginative thoughts, stories, or worlds that are often magical or otherworldly.

  • Her favorite books are those that transport her to a world of fantasy, full of dragons and wizards

Examples of usage

  • It's unrealistic to expect everyone to agree on such a controversial issue.
  • She has unrealistic expectations about how quickly she can finish the project.
Context #2 | Adjective

in a creative context

Having no basis in reality; fanciful or imaginary.

Synonyms

fantastic, imaginary, unbelievable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
unrealistic

Use when something is not practical or likely to happen.

  • The plan to finish the project in one day is unrealistic
  • It's unrealistic to expect a five-year-old to solve that math problem
imaginary

Use when talking about something that exists only in the mind or fantasy, not in reality.

  • Children often have imaginary friends
  • The dragon in the storybook is imaginary
unbelievable

Use when describing something that is so extraordinary that itโ€™s hard to believe it is true.

  • His story about surviving a shark attack was unbelievable
  • The magician's trick was unbelievable!
fantastic

Use when describing something extremely good, impressive, or wonderful.

  • The movie we watched last night was fantastic! She gave a fantastic performance at the concert

Examples of usage

  • The movie's special effects created an unrealistic world that captivated the audience.
  • His paintings often depict unrealistic scenes that challenge the viewer's perception of reality.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People may hold unrealistic expectations, which can lead to disappointment or frustration in personal relationships.
  • Cognitive Dissonance Theory suggests that our mind struggles when we hold conflicting beliefs, such as wanting something that is unrealistic โ€“ this can lead to stress.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often depict unrealistic scenarios, like superheroes saving the world, which can be thrilling but are far from everyday reality.
  • Reality television has faced criticism for presenting unrealistic portrayals of life, influencing viewersโ€™ expectations.

Education

  • In educational contexts, setting unrealistic goals can hinder learning and motivation, as they may be unattainable for students.
  • Teachers often encourage students to set SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound to foster realistic expectations.

Arts

  • In literature and film, the inclusion of unrealistic elements can serve as a metaphor, allowing deeper exploration of complex themes.
  • Surrealism in art intentionally uses unrealistic imagery to challenge perceptions and provoke thought.

Origin of 'unrealistic'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'unrealistic' comes from 'realistic,' which means true to life, with the 'un-' prefix indicating the opposite.
  • It first appeared in the English language around the early 20th century, reflecting changes in how modern societies view practicality.

The word 'unrealistic' originated in the mid-19th century, combining 'un-' (meaning 'not') and 'realistic' (based on reality). It has been used to describe things that are not practical or feasible, as well as things that are purely imaginary or fantastical. Over time, the word has become commonly used in both negative and creative contexts to convey a sense of improbability or unreality.

See also: real, realism, realistic, realistically, reality, realize, really, realtor, surreal, unreal, unrealised, unrealistically, unrealizable, unrealized, unrealness.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,169, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.