cannot be attained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be attained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is impossible to achieve or reach. Example: "In some cases, perfection cannot be attained, and we must learn to accept our limitations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Shen Kuo referred to the ancient Daoist I Ching in explaining the spiritual processes and attainment of foreknowledge that cannot be attained through "crude traces", which he likens to mathematical astronomy.

Wikipedia

"The fact that he came from Nablus shows that security cannot be attained by unilateral measures," Saeb Erekat, the Palestinians' chief negotiator, said Friday.

The New York Times

If that goal cannot be attained, there should be no hesitation to express dissent in clear and unequivocal statements in support of "repression's voiceless victims".

The New York Times

But important as "teacher quality" is, it cannot be attained without dealing with the counterproductive roles, relationships and mind-sets of the present system.

The New York Times

It cannot be attained through the inflation of threats, the perpetuation of fears, or retreat into the victimhood that sees every act, however violent, as defensive.

The New York Times

The band gap defines the theoretical maximum efficiency of a solar cell, but this cannot be attained because of other materials factors.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Everyone... benefits from a more just, equal world, but it cannot be attained by girls alone – we must all play a more active part.

Independent

He walked away from Israel, even though a permanent, sustainable peace accord cannot be attained without Israel and the Palestinians agreeing.

The New York Times

But if the ideal state cannot be attained, at least it can be approached, Kohr thought, by reducing the scale of government.

The New York Times

In any organization in which members are pressed to reach goals that cannot be attained through legitimate means, cheating and other forms of misconduct are likely to occur.

The New York Times

Who joins the union is Europe's affair, he said, adding: "But many people will agree with me when I say that prosperity, stability, security and integration cannot be attained at the expense of the others.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be attained", ensure the subject and context clearly define what is impossible to achieve. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the statement's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be attained" for situations that are merely difficult, not completely impossible. Overusing strong language weakens your argument and may be perceived as exaggeration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be attained" functions as a predicate phrase, expressing the impossibility of achieving a specific goal or state. Ludwig AI shows this phrase is grammatically correct and readily usable across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be attained" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote impossibility. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and versatility. It is commonly found in science, news, and encyclopedic contexts, and serves to set realistic expectations or clarify limitations. While alternatives like "is unattainable" or "is not achievable" exist, "cannot be attained" remains a clear and effective choice across various registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unattainable

Emphasizes the impossibility of reaching or achieving something.

is not achievable

Highlights the lack of feasibility in accomplishing a goal.

cannot be realized

Focuses on the impossibility of making something a reality.

is out of reach

Suggests something is beyond one's grasp or ability to obtain.

is beyond possibility

Emphasizes that something is impossible.

is an unachievable goal

Specifically refers to a goal that is impossible to reach.

lies beyond reach

Similar to 'out of reach', but with a more metaphorical tone.

is not within the realm of possibility

Indicates that something is completely unrealistic or impossible.

is unfeasible

Highlights that achieving something is impractical or not viable.

is a lost cause

Indicates that there is no point in trying because failure is certain.

FAQs

What does "cannot be attained" mean?

The phrase "cannot be attained" means something is impossible to achieve or reach. It expresses a situation where a goal, outcome, or level is beyond reach.

How can I use "cannot be attained" in a sentence?

You can use "cannot be attained" to describe goals or outcomes that are impossible to reach. For example: "Perfection in this field "cannot be attained", but we can strive for excellence."

What are some alternatives to "cannot be attained"?

You can use alternatives like "is unattainable", "is not achievable", or "is out of reach" to express a similar meaning.

Is "cannot be attained" formal or informal?

"Cannot be attained" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While other options might be more common in casual conversation, this phrase remains appropriate across various settings.