be unobtainable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be unobtainable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that cannot be acquired or accessed. Example: "Due to the high demand, the tickets for the concert may be unobtainable by the time you try to purchase them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

It might, however, be unobtainable.

The Economist

"Renaissance works like this will be unobtainable soon," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

Errors would be inevitable because a complete history of data and adequate measurements would be unobtainable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And finally the dreadful polls in Scotland suggesting an overall majority may be unobtainable?

The Guardian

For the poorest women who are landless and without support, Fairtrade certification may be unobtainable.

The Guardian

In the ultimate absurdity, doses across America are said to be unobtainable since government has ordered that they be stockpiled by hospitals against a possible pandemic.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

The lights failed and candles, of course, were unobtainable.

The New Yorker

Many will say much of this is unobtainable.

The New York Times

The muse should be as charming as she is unobtainable, a fantasy bartender.

The New York Times - Books

The character in the book is unobtainable; ideal, but only if he was there.

The Guardian - Books

The uncertainties are substantial, but, given the accounts in these sources, certainty is unobtainable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be unobtainable", ensure the context clearly indicates why something is difficult or impossible to obtain. Provide specific reasons for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "be unobtainable" when something is merely difficult, not completely impossible, to obtain. Consider using weaker terms like "challenging" or "difficult" if there's still a chance of attainment.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "be unobtainable" is as a predicate adjective. It describes a state or quality of a subject, indicating that something is not able to be obtained. Ludwig's examples show it modifying nouns like "insurance", "data", and "certification".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

26%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be unobtainable" is a versatile phrase used to express that something is impossible to obtain or achieve. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts. While alternatives like "be unattainable" or "be out of reach" exist, "be unobtainable" distinctly emphasizes the impossibility of acquisition. It is more frequent in formal and professional settings. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the reasons for the impossibility and avoiding its use when something is merely difficult, not entirely impossible, to obtain.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be unattainable

This alternative emphasizes the impossibility of reaching or achieving something.

be out of reach

This phrase suggests that something is beyond someone's grasp, either literally or figuratively.

be inaccessible

This alternative focuses on the difficulty or impossibility of accessing something.

be beyond reach

Similar to "be out of reach", this highlights that something is not achievable or obtainable.

be unachievable

This term explicitly states that something cannot be achieved.

be impossible to get

This phrase directly indicates the impossibility of acquiring something.

be beyond one's means

This suggests that something is too expensive or difficult to afford.

be precluded

Indicates that something is prevented or made impossible.

be off-limits

This suggests something is restricted or not allowed.

be unavailable

This term simply means not available or accessible.

FAQs

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

You can use "be unobtainable" to describe something that is impossible to obtain or acquire. For example, "Due to high demand, tickets to the event may "be unobtainable"."

What are some alternatives to "be unobtainable"?

Some alternatives include "be unattainable", "be out of reach", or "be inaccessible", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "is unobtainable" or "be unobtainable"?

"Be unobtainable" is the infinitive form, often used with modal verbs or in general statements. "Is unobtainable" is used when referring to a specific subject. For example, "That goal may "be unobtainable"" vs. "That goal "is unobtainable" now."

What's the difference between "be unobtainable" and "be unavailable"?

"Be unobtainable" suggests that something is impossible to get, while "be unavailable" simply means it's not currently accessible or present. Something unavailable might become available later, but something unobtainable is inherently impossible to get.