is unachievable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is unachievable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that cannot be accomplished or attained. Example: "The goal of achieving world peace in a single generation is unachievable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It goes without saying that this is unachievable... or is it?

The Guardian

"A routine seven-day NHS is unachievable within the current workforce and financial pressures," she said.

The Guardian

On the basis of this vote, a breakthrough is unachievable under first-past-the-post.

The Guardian

The troika report is certain to state that this goal is unachievable.

The Guardian

Significantly, Mr. Fayyad was suggesting that if a two-state solution is unachievable, the alternative is a single binational state.

The New York Times

Philip Hammond, the foreign secretary, has already told his Conservative colleagues that limiting free movement within the EU is unachievable.

The Guardian

"Central bankers are harmless, charge the bond bulls of 2012; in an overleveraged economy, inflation is unachievable".

The New York Times

I feel the bank is trying to enforce a condition of lending that is unachievable in practice.

The Guardian - Business

GP bodies have long argued that the chronic, arguably worsening, shortage of GPs means that promise is unachievable.

The Guardian

Together, they are like a hand in a glove; without either one, the promise of America — freedom, liberty and equal opportunity — is unachievable for too many citizens.

The New York Times

And I think that for the smaller teams it gives them something, a target that is achievable rather than a target that is unachievable.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is unachievable", ensure the context clearly defines what makes the goal or objective impossible. Providing specific reasons enhances clarity and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "is unachievable" when the goal is merely difficult or challenging, not truly impossible. Using weaker language like "is difficult to achieve" or "poses significant challenges" can be more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is unachievable" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a noun or noun phrase as impossible to achieve. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its use in various contexts, reinforcing its role in expressing impossibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is unachievable" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something cannot be accomplished. As Ludwig AI confirms, it sees frequent use across various domains. Its function is to state impossibility with a neutral tone suitable for both formal and informal contexts. When employing this phrase, clarity and context are key to ensure the assertion of impossibility is well-supported. Consider alternatives like "is unattainable" or "is impossible" for nuanced expression. Avoiding exaggeration and clearly defining the reasons behind the impossibility will enhance the impact and credibility of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unattainable

Focuses on the impossibility of reaching or obtaining something.

is impossible

Emphasizes the complete lack of possibility.

cannot be achieved

A more literal and direct rephrasing of the original phrase.

is not feasible

Highlights the impracticality or lack of viability.

is beyond reach

Suggests something is too distant or difficult to attain.

is out of the question

Indicates something is not worth considering because it is not possible.

is unrealistic

Implies the goal or expectation is not grounded in reality.

is a pipe dream

Suggests the idea is fanciful and unlikely to ever happen.

is a non-starter

Indicates that something will fail to begin or make progress.

is a lost cause

Implies that efforts to achieve something are futile.

FAQs

How can I use "is unachievable" in a sentence?

You can use "is unachievable" to describe goals, targets, or outcomes that cannot be realistically attained. For example, "Complete eradication of poverty worldwide is unachievable in the short term."

What are some alternatives to saying "is unachievable"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is unattainable", "is impossible", or "is not feasible", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "is unachievable" or "cannot be achieved"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey the same basic meaning. "Is unachievable" is slightly more concise, while "cannot be achieved" might sound more formal in certain contexts.

What's the difference between "is unachievable" and "is unlikely"?

"Is unachievable" indicates a certainty that something cannot be done, whereas "is unlikely" suggests a low probability but not an impossibility. The choice depends on the degree of certainty you want to express.