Unrealistic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Unrealistic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not practical or achievable, often in the context of expectations or goals. Example: "The timeline for the project is unrealistic given the resources we have available."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Turning to Paul Le Guen was bold, imaginative and seemingly unrealistic but demonstrative of a degree of audacity that Murray has often matched with persuasiveness to great effect.

The Guardian - Sport

One UK study found that almost two-thirds of children reported having at least one "psychotic-like experience" in their lives, a category that also includes unshiftable and unrealistic beliefs and fears.

The Guardian

People I know are disillusioned with the system and want PR and don't believe in mainstream politics and I realise that although there is always room for improvement and modernisation, politics is always going to involve compromise and I feel those of my age who hold unrealistic ideological notions are wasting the opportunity many people across the world are denied.

The Guardian

Judging by this research, those unrealistic expectations may also hold for men.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

However, it is my job to help the children achieve without feeling unrealistic pressure.

The Guardian

As my friend Lilith Gütler wrote on Facebook: "I'm sorry, it's hard to be 'proud' of someone who has had the financial means to achieve unrealistic goals for girls like us".

The Guardian - Opinion

That doesn't sound too unrealistic, does it?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Then there are also many people who I think believe, or have persuaded themselves, that climate change is just another fad, exaggerated by scientists who just want more money for their research, or environmentalists who over-react to small threats or are unrealistic about where their bread is buttered.

The Guardian

Social and mass media often promote unrealistic life expectations and engender a persecutory perfectionism within young adults.

The Guardian

Dr Mark Porter, the leader of the British Medical Association, criticised the "outlandish and unrealistic election pledges" made by all the parties.

The Guardian

There has been some criticism from readers that the Hamsterdam storyline is unrealistic, with some even comparing it to McNulty's antics with the homeless in series five for breaking the show's informal rule that "nothing should happen on screen that hasn't in some fashion happened on the streets".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When critiquing a plan or idea as "unrealistic", provide specific reasons or data to support your assessment. Avoid generalizations.

Common error

Avoid simply labeling something as "unrealistic" without explaining why. Providing specific reasons enhances the credibility of your assessment.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "unrealistic" primarily functions to qualify nouns, indicating that they are not based on or reflective of reality. Ludwig examples show it modifying goals, expectations, plans, and beliefs, labeling them as detached from practical considerations. Ludwig AI confirms the correct grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Lifestyle

15%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Sport

5%

Education

3%

Film

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "unrealistic" is a versatile term used to describe something not grounded in reality, with the primary function of qualifying nouns and prompting evaluation of plans or ideas. Ludwig examples confirm its grammatical correctness and highlight its prevalence across contexts ranging from formal news reports to informal conversations. It is a very common term, and can be replaced by alternatives like "impractical" or "unfeasible" depending on the context. Ludwig AI affirms its usability, suggesting that using "unrealistic" effectively involves providing specific reasons for your assessment to strengthen your argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Impractical

Focuses on the lack of practicality or usefulness in real-world situations.

Unfeasible

Highlights the impossibility of achieving something due to various constraints.

Not viable

Emphasizes the lack of sustainability or likelihood of success.

Far-fetched

Suggests that something is unlikely or difficult to believe.

Overoptimistic

Indicates an excessively positive outlook that is not grounded in reality.

Visionary but improbable

Highlights the imaginative nature of an idea, but acknowledges its unlikeliness.

Too good to be true

Suggests skepticism about something that seems exceptionally positive.

Pie in the sky

Emphasizes the impracticality and fanciful nature of a plan or idea.

Wishful thinking

Highlights the influence of desire over reality in forming a belief.

Beyond the realm of possibility

Indicates that something is completely impossible or unattainable.

FAQs

How can I use "unrealistic" in a sentence?

You can use "unrealistic" to describe goals, expectations, or plans that are not achievable. For instance, "The project's deadline is "unrealistic" given the available resources."

What's a more formal alternative to "unrealistic"?

In formal contexts, consider using "impractical" or "unfeasible" as alternatives to "unrealistic".

Is it ever okay to have unrealistic goals?

While setting ambitious goals can be motivating, consistently "unrealistic" goals can lead to frustration and demotivation. It's important to balance ambition with practicality.

What's the difference between "unrealistic" and "optimistic"?

"Optimistic" implies a positive outlook, while "unrealistic" suggests a disconnect from reality. Someone can be optimistic without being "unrealistic" by grounding their expectations in reason and evidence.