be unattainable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be unattainable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that cannot be achieved or reached, often in a context discussing goals, desires, or standards. Example: "For many, the ideal of perfection can often feel like it will always be unattainable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Definite knowledge may be unattainable in "Copenhagen".

The New York Times

I'm chasing something that may be unattainable.

The New York Times - Sports

When retained in the desired position the matrix remineralizes demonstrating malleability of the alveolus previously thought to be unattainable.

Seminars in Orthodontics

Both techniques are shown to return chemical and structural information that would be unattainable using conventional two-dimensional microscopy.

Scripta Materialia

Without changes within the wider euro zone, he said, long-term prospects for growth would be unattainable.

The New York Times

European Commission analysts predicted that the deficit goals would be unattainable prior to 2016 unless additional austerity measures were implemented.

Encyclopedia Britannica

You don't want them to be slam-dunks, but you don't want them to be unattainable, either.

The New York Times

The government has started to lay out new pension regulations which will be unattainable for many firefighters.

The Guardian - Opinion

Equality should not be unattainable, yet if things continue the way they have been, it's unlikely that change will come.

The Guardian - Opinion

Indeed, overall growth of 2percentt may be unattainable if, as some economists argue, the pace of innovation is slackening.

The Washington Post

The average per-capita income is just $19,600, meaning an air-conditioned bedroom may be unattainable.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be unattainable" when you want to convey that a goal, standard, or ideal is realistically impossible to reach, often due to inherent limitations or external factors.

Common error

Avoid using "be unattainable" in situations where the goal is difficult but potentially achievable with effort. Overusing the phrase can make writing sound overly dramatic or pessimistic when a more nuanced term would be appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be unattainable" primarily functions as a predicate adjective phrase, modifying a subject by describing it as impossible to reach or achieve. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

48%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be unattainable" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that describes something impossible to achieve. Ludwig AI confirms it's correct in written English. Its usage spans various contexts, from personal aspirations to scientific and economic goals, with a neutral register suitable for news, academic, and general communication. When writing, it's important to use the phrase judiciously, ensuring that it accurately reflects the impossibility of the situation and avoiding exaggeration. Alternatives such as "be out of reach" or "be impossible to achieve" can provide similar meanings with slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be unachievable

Uses the synonym "unachievable" for "unattainable".

be unrealizable

Uses the synonym "unrealizable" for "unattainable", implying it cannot be made real or concrete.

prove unachievable

Similar to "be unachievable", this emphasizes that something results in failing to be achieved.

be out of reach

Changes the verb to "be" and uses the idiom "out of reach" to indicate something is not accessible.

be impossible to achieve

Replaces "unattainable" with the more direct phrase "impossible to achieve".

be beyond reach

Similar to "out of reach", this emphasizes that something is further than one can extend.

be beyond one's grasp

Expresses that something is not within someone's ability to obtain or understand.

remain elusive

Emphasizes the difficulty in capturing or attaining something, suggesting it's hard to define or grasp.

be a pipe dream

Indicates that something is an unrealistic or fanciful hope.

be a lost cause

Suggests that attempting to achieve something is futile and will not succeed.

FAQs

How can I use "be unattainable" in a sentence?

You can use "be unattainable" to describe goals, standards, or ideals that are impossible to achieve. For example, "The perfect work-life balance may "be unattainable" for many working parents".

What's a good alternative to "be unattainable"?

Alternatives include "be out of reach", "be impossible to achieve", or "remain elusive" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "be unattainable" over "be difficult"?

"Be unattainable" suggests impossibility, whereas "be difficult" implies a challenge that can be overcome. Use "be unattainable" when the goal is fundamentally out of reach, and "be difficult" when it requires significant effort but remains possible.

Is it too negative to describe a goal as something that will "be unattainable"?

It depends on the context. If you're aiming for realism and setting appropriate expectations, it can be honest. However, be mindful of the tone; sometimes, framing it as a significant challenge rather than something that will "be unattainable" can be more motivating.