could be unattainable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be unattainable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility that something may not be achievable or reachable. Example: "While we have high hopes for the project, we must acknowledge that certain goals could be unattainable given our current resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Finally, it should be noted that while new algorithms are being proposed in the literature on a rather frantic pace, the task of comprehensively comparing algorithms could be unattainable if not futile.

BioData Mining

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

His method of measuring success would include a 90 percent apprehension rate of illegal crossers at the southern border, as well as the installation of a biometric exit system at all air and sea ports, which immigration advocates worry could be logistically unattainable.

The New York Times

Definite knowledge may be unattainable in "Copenhagen".

The New York Times

I'm chasing something that may be unattainable.

The New York Times - Sports

She needs to be unattainable.

Vice

Those criteria proved to be unattainable.

Environmental Health Perspectives

One could also argue for inclusion of different microbial agents than some of those presented, but I suspect that consensus on any such list would be unattainable.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Be unattainable.

WikiHow

While, historically, the mermaid's sexuality could be sinful and unattainable, the mermaid in contemporary culture has become attainable and possible.

Vice

Such substitution or augmentation could be used when force feedback is unattainable or attenuated due to device limitations or system instability.

Stanford University

In recent years, advances in mathematical modeling techniques, algorithms for solving mathematical equations and computational power have all combined to make the study of complex phenomenon with large number of inputs possible, which could otherwise have been unattainable with physical experiments.

Computer Aided Chemical Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase, ensure the context clearly defines what "unattainable" refers to. Specify the conditions, resources, or factors that might make the goal difficult to reach.

Common error

Avoid using "could be unattainable" when the outcome is already definitively known. This phrase is for expressing a possibility, not stating a fact. If something is unattainable, state it directly; do not use "could be".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be unattainable" functions as a modal phrase expressing a degree of possibility or uncertainty. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is deemed correct and usable. It modifies a noun or idea, suggesting that its realization is not guaranteed and might face considerable obstacles. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its use across varied domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could be unattainable" effectively communicates a realistic perspective when discussing goals or possibilities, acknowledging potential limitations. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for various contexts, from news and media to scientific discussions. While it's important to avoid overstating certainty and using it when the outcome is already known, understanding its purpose and register ensures accurate and appropriate usage. Considering semantically similar phrases, such as "might be unachievable" or "potentially out of reach", can offer stylistic variety while preserving the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be unachievable

Replaces "could" with "might" and "unattainable" with "unachievable", keeping a similar level of possibility and difficulty.

may be impossible

Uses "may" instead of "could", and replaces "unattainable" with "impossible", emphasizing a stronger sense of improbability.

might not be feasible

Substitutes "unattainable" with "not feasible", focusing on the practicality or viability of achieving something.

potentially out of reach

Replaces "unattainable" with "out of reach", suggesting something is beyond one's grasp or ability.

possibly beyond reach

Uses "possibly" instead of "could" and "beyond reach" in place of "unattainable", implying a challenge in attaining something.

conceivably unachievable

Uses "conceivably" to express possibility and "unachievable" instead of "unattainable".

perhaps not within grasp

Emphasizes the difficulty in obtaining something, replacing "unattainable" with a more descriptive phrase.

maybe beyond one's capacity

Focuses on the limitations of one's ability to achieve something, using "beyond one's capacity" instead of "unattainable".

unlikely to be realized

Shifts the focus to the probability of something happening, using "unlikely to be realized" instead of directly stating it's unattainable.

questionable achievability

Expresses doubt about the possibility of achieving something, focusing on the achievability aspect.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "could be unattainable"?

Use "could be unattainable" when discussing a goal, target, or outcome that is possible, but faces significant challenges or uncertainties that may prevent its realization. It implies a degree of doubt or difficulty.

What are some alternatives to "could be unattainable"?

You can use alternatives like "might be unachievable", "may be impossible", or "potentially out of reach" depending on the context and the degree of certainty you wish to convey.

How does "could be unattainable" differ from "is unattainable"?

"Could be unattainable" expresses a possibility or uncertainty about achieving something, whereas "is unattainable" states a definitive fact that something cannot be achieved. The former leaves room for hope or potential change, while the latter indicates a final conclusion.

Is "could be unattainable" too negative for professional communication?

While it acknowledges potential difficulties, "could be unattainable" is generally acceptable in professional communication as long as it's used to realistically assess challenges rather than to discourage effort. Balance it with discussion of possible solutions or mitigating strategies.