barely achievable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "barely achievable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a goal or target that is difficult to reach, suggesting that it requires significant effort or is just within reach. Example: "The project's deadline is tight, and the quality standards are high, making the target barely achievable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

As further deals with right-wing parties fell through, what emerged as the National Council's decision was one that I found quite a relief, a result that had seemed barely achievable the day before.

The Guardian - Opinion

The previous modelling assumptions concerning the connections are barely achievable.

International Journal of Advanced Structural Engineering

The analysis of grain boundary carbon segregation – barely achievable by electron microscopy – opens the possibility of understanding the mechanistic effects of dopants on mechanical properties, fracture and wear properties of bulk oxides.

Materials Today

Currently, due to interinstitutional variability, this is barely achievable within a nation.

British Journal of Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The man looks disappointed and barely thanks me; his partner, whose melancholy hauteur is achievable only by elegant Frenchwomen of a certain age, buries her nose in a magazine article called "The Voice of Hamas" and does not look up again.

The New York Times

It is not achievable.

The Guardian

"It's achievable.

The Guardian - Sport

Eminently winnable - eminently achievable".

The Guardian

Is serenity achievable?

The Guardian - Opinion

But is it achievable?

The New York Times - Books

Is it achievable?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "barely achievable", ensure the context clearly indicates the challenges involved in attaining the goal, and that the reader understands the significance of achieving it despite the difficulty.

Common error

Avoid using "barely achievable" when the goal is genuinely straightforward; reserve it for situations where the challenges are significant and success is not guaranteed. If used improperly you'll weaken the impact of the expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "barely achievable" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, describing a goal, task, or objective. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase suggests that the goal is difficult to attain, requiring significant effort and possibly representing a narrow margin for success.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "barely achievable" is a grammatically sound adjective phrase used to describe goals or targets that are difficult to reach, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While it appears more frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for a range of communications. When employing this phrase, consider the nuance it adds, emphasizing the challenges involved and the potential for uncertainty. Alternative phrases such as "scarcely attainable" or "just within reach" can be used to fine-tune the intended meaning. Ensure the context warrants the sense of difficulty that "barely achievable" conveys.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scarcely attainable

Emphasizes the difficulty in reaching the goal, suggesting it is only just attainable.

just within reach

Highlights the proximity to being achieved, implying a sense of nearness.

almost impossible

Focuses on the high degree of difficulty, bordering on impossibility.

on the edge of possibility

Suggests the achievement is contingent and could easily fail.

hardly feasible

Indicates significant doubts about the practicality and likelihood of achieving the goal.

nearly unachievable

Similar to 'almost impossible', but with a slight emphasis on the potential for success.

tough to accomplish

Focuses on the effort required to achieve, highlighting its challenging nature.

difficult to realize

Emphasizes the struggle in bringing something from concept to reality.

demanding to fulfill

Highlights the high requirements and challenges associated with achieving the goal.

ambitious but realistic

Acknowledges the high aim, but still believes that the objective can be achieved.

FAQs

How can I use "barely achievable" in a sentence?

You can use "barely achievable" to describe goals that are difficult to reach but still possible. For example, "Meeting the deadline was a "barely achievable" feat given the limited resources."

What are some alternatives to "barely achievable"?

Some alternatives include "scarcely attainable", "just within reach", or "almost impossible" depending on the context and the degree of difficulty you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "almost achievable" instead of "barely achievable"?

While both phrases suggest difficulty, "almost achievable" implies a higher likelihood of success than "barely achievable". "Barely achievable" suggests the goal is more challenging and success is less certain.

What's the difference between "barely achievable" and "readily achievable"?

"Barely achievable" indicates something is difficult to reach, while "readily achievable" means something is easy to accomplish. They are antonyms, representing opposite ends of the spectrum of difficulty.