impossible dream

USAGE SUMMARY

"impossible dream" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to a goal or desire that seems unattainable or very difficult to achieve. Example sentence: Despite having little money, she never gave up on her impossible dream of becoming a successful writer.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

An impossible dream, so far.

The New York Times

Is this an impossible dream?

The New York Times

It's not an impossible dream.

The New York Times

But that's an impossible dream.

The New York Times

An impossible dream?

Harvard Business Review

'That Impossible Dream' thing?

The New York Times

This isn't an impossible dream.

The New York Times

Winning was the impossible dream, however.

The New York Times - Sports

It was an impossible dream".

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

'Impossible Dream' is out now on Memphis Industries.

BBC

'Impossible dream'.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "impossible dream" to add a touch of emotional weight to your writing when describing goals that seem just out of reach. This can make your narrative more engaging and relatable.

Common error

Avoid using "impossible dream" too frequently, especially in formal or professional contexts. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound unoriginal. Consider alternatives like "unattainable goal" or "unrealistic ambition" for a fresh perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "impossible dream" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, describing a belief or goal that is unattainable despite high hopes. As Ludwig points out, it denotes a goal or desire that seems unattainable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

11%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "impossible dream" is a common noun phrase used to describe a goal or aspiration that seems very difficult or unlikely to achieve. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. Analysis reveals its prevalence in News & Media and Academia. While versatile, avoid overuse in formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "unattainable goal" to maintain originality. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase conveys both ambition and a sense of longing for something that may be beyond reach, making it a powerful tool in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unattainable goal

Focuses more on the goal being out of reach.

unrealistic ambition

Highlights the lack of practicality in the ambition.

hopeless aspiration

Emphasizes the lack of hope associated with the aspiration.

pipe dream

Implies a fanciful and unrealistic idea.

castle in the sky

Highlights the imaginary and unfounded nature of the dream.

fool's errand

Suggests that the pursuit is pointless and destined to fail.

mission impossible

Conveys a sense of extreme difficulty and near impossibility.

long shot

Indicates a low probability of success.

quixotic quest

Highlights the idealistic and impractical nature of the pursuit, referencing Don Quixote.

illusory hope

Stresses the deceptive nature of the hope.

FAQs

How can I use "impossible dream" in a sentence?

You can use "impossible dream" to describe a goal or ambition that seems very difficult or unlikely to achieve. For example: "Becoming a professional athlete seemed like an impossible dream."

What are some alternatives to "impossible dream"?

Alternatives to "impossible dream" include "unattainable goal", "unrealistic ambition", or "pipe dream", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to describe something as an "impossible dream"?

Not necessarily. While it often implies that something is unlikely to happen, it can also highlight the ambition and determination of someone pursuing a difficult goal. It can be used to express admiration or inspiration, even if the outcome is uncertain.

What's the difference between "impossible dream" and "long shot"?

While both phrases suggest a low probability of success, "impossible dream" emphasizes the difficulty and unlikelihood of achieving a goal, while "long shot" simply indicates a low probability of success without necessarily implying impossibility. A "long shot" might still be achievable with luck or extraordinary effort, while an "impossible dream" seems almost inherently unattainable.