attainable

USAGE SUMMARY

"attainable" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when discussing ambitions or goals that can be realistically achieved. For example: "My goal of finishing my degree was attainable with a lot of hard work and dedication".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We see here a 'constructive skepticist' response to the Skeptics who say no knowledge is possible and to those ancient and latter-day 'dogmatic' thinkers (including, in his view, the Aristotelians and Descartes) who say knowledge involves the attainment of certain belief and is readily attainable.

SEP

It is equally clear: evolution is definitely preferable if it is attainable.

The Guardian - Opinion

Many prospective candidates spend several elections in unsuccessful seats until they are given the nod for something attainable.

The Guardian

Harvey says it's all about "sending signals to our leaders" that emission cuts are attainable and worth pursuing.

The Guardian

What had begun, with Graham Dilley, as glorious mayhem - no more than do-or-die heroics - was now making a draw attainable by England, given some rain; he was even making victory conceivable.

The Guardian - Sport

If the policy was attainable, Cable said, "enormous damage would be done, notably through overseas students, which is one of the biggest components, actually.

The Guardian

It pointed ahead to a life in which furtive sex and fleeting assignations might be attainable, but the enduring security and companionship of marriage would be forever out of reach.

The Economist

They may imagine that something like Northern Ireland's Good Friday agreement might one day be attainable in Kashmir.If so, it would take much more than a change of heart by one leader.

The Economist

He will emerge from this process with new credibility and a trust in his ability to choose attainable goals.

The Economist

Yossi Sarid, leader of the opposition Meretz Party, says complete quiet is attainable "only in graveyards, and we've got too many of those".

The Economist

If Americans were to work longer, they could set a financial goal that is attainable rather than forbiddingly distant.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When setting goals, use "attainable" to emphasize that the goals are challenging yet realistic, fostering motivation and a sense of progress.

Common error

Avoid using "attainable" when a stronger word like "achievable" or "feasible" might better convey the degree of effort or resources required. The best way to use it is to ensure you're actually highlighting a balance of ambition and realism.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "attainable" functions primarily as a pre-modifier of nouns, describing the qualities of goals, objectives, or standards. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in numerous examples across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

29%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "attainable" is a versatile adjective used to describe goals, objectives, or standards that are realistically achievable. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. When using "attainable", consider stronger alternatives like "achievable" or "feasible" to better convey the required effort. Remember, "attainable" emphasizes a balance of ambition and realism, fostering motivation and a sense of progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

achievable

Emphasizes the capability of being brought to a successful end.

feasible

Highlights the practicality and possibility of being done easily or conveniently.

reachable

Focuses on the ability to reach or obtain something.

possible

Indicates that something can exist or happen.

within reach

Suggests that something is close enough to be obtained.

realistic

Stresses the correspondence to reality and the likelihood of success.

viable

Points to the capacity to function effectively and sustainably.

within the bounds of possibility

States that something is within the limits of what is possible.

capable of being achieved

Clearly expresses the ability to be successfully completed.

practicable

Highlights the suitability and advisability of being done.

FAQs

How to use "attainable" in a sentence?

You can use "attainable" to describe goals or objectives that can be realistically achieved. For example, "The company set "attainable goals" for the quarter" or "The project's success was due to its "attainable objectives"".

What can I say instead of "attainable"?

You can use alternatives like "achievable", "feasible", or "reachable" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "attainable goal" or "attained goal"?

"Attainable goal" refers to a goal that is possible to achieve, while "attained goal" refers to a goal that has already been achieved. The correct term depends on whether you are describing a potential or completed outcome. Consider "a "realistic goal"".

What's the difference between "attainable" and "realistic"?

While both terms relate to possibility, "attainable" focuses on the ability to achieve something, while "realistic" emphasizes the correspondence to reality. An "attainable goal" is possible to achieve, while a "realistic goal" is based on the current situation and circumstances.