could not be attained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could not be attained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that a certain goal, objective, or state was not achieved or reached. Example: "Despite our best efforts, the desired level of customer satisfaction could not be attained."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Exact focus for this arrangement, however, could not be attained.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The industry," Brandt writes, "insisted on scientific criteria that it knew full well could not be attained then, or ever".

The New York Times - Books

By the mid-1980's, however, it had become clear that these ambitions could not be attained by instinct alone.

The New York Times

He exerts himself mightily, as if to achieve with brute power what could not be attained with finesse.

The New Yorker

Assuming Social Security is untouchable, the reductions could not be attained without cutting Medicare, Medicaid, student aid, veterans' health care and other program that lawmakers are reluctant to vote against.

The New York Times

While Mr. Jassim expressed confidence that the Iraqi Army could keep the internal peace largely on its own by the end of 2011 or early 2012, he said that securing the country's borders and skies required big investments in training and equipment and that such capabilities could not be attained until 2018 or 2020, if at all.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

In our previous paper, we proposed a new method for designing compact stranded superconducting conductors as a solution to the dilemma that low loss and high stability could not be simultaneously attained in commonly used conductors.

Cryogenics

It is particularly aimed to reveal some fundamental facts about the attenuation mechanism of ITP, which could not be previously attained solely by the conventional analysis of the relevant experimental data.

Applied Ocean Research

If it can be established that early interventions yield levels of medical benefit that could not be otherwise attained, and that genetic testing can be useful for the targeting of interventions at subgroups of high-risk children, a favourable risk-benefit ration for testing in childhood might ensue.

BMC Medical Genomics

Does or does not that axiom entail that understanding of objects such as the intelligible goods (the objects of acts of will) precedes an adequate knowledge of nature, notwithstanding that (as is agreed on all sides) in the metaphysical order of intrinsic dependence such objects could not be willed or attained but for the given nature of (in this case) the human person?

SEP

At least one study purported that blended learning methods of delivering education encouraged retention of current health workers by providing professional development that could not otherwise be attained [ 23].

Human Resources for Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "unattainable" or "impossible" for a more direct and concise expression, especially in formal writing.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "could not be attained" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "couldn't get" or "didn't reach" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could not be attained" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating the impossibility of achieving a particular goal or reaching a specific state. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase is used to express that something was beyond reach, unachievable, or simply not feasible.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could not be attained" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express the impossibility of achieving a certain goal or reaching a specific state. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, noting its prevalence in formal and scientific contexts. While versatile, it's best to consider simpler alternatives in informal settings. Key related phrases include "was unattainable" and "proved impossible". The phrase appears most frequently in scientific and news media publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was unattainable

Replaces the modal verb construction with a direct adjective, making the sentence more concise and emphatic.

was unachievable

Similar to "unattainable" but emphasizes the act of achieving rather than the possibility of obtaining.

proved impossible

Highlights the process and the eventual realization that the goal was not feasible.

was beyond reach

Emphasizes the distance or difficulty in reaching the desired outcome or goal.

could not be reached

Focuses on the act of reaching a specific target or state.

remained out of reach

Suggests a continued state of being impossible to achieve.

was not feasible

Indicates that the option was impractical or unsuitable considering the circumstances.

lay beyond capabilities

Highlights that the goal exceeded the existing skills or resources.

was out of the question

Indicates that the option was completely unacceptable or inappropriate.

did not come to fruition

Focuses on the lack of a positive or successful outcome after a period of effort.

FAQs

What does "could not be attained" mean?

The phrase "could not be attained" means something was impossible to achieve or reach. It suggests that despite efforts or possibilities, the desired outcome was not realized.

What's a simpler way to say "could not be attained"?

You can use simpler alternatives like "was unattainable", "could not be reached", or "proved impossible" depending on the context.

Is "could not be attained" formal or informal?

The phrase "could not be attained" is generally considered formal. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "couldn't get" or "didn't reach" might be more appropriate.

How can I use "could not be attained" in a sentence?

You can use "could not be attained" in sentences like: "Despite our efforts, the desired level of precision "could not be attained"." or "Securing the border "could not be attained" until 2018 or 2020, if at all."