it is unattainable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is unattainable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that cannot be achieved or reached. Example: "Despite our best efforts, the goal of complete customer satisfaction feels like it is unattainable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

It is unattainable, of course.

The Economist

It is too intimidating; it is unattainable.

The Guardian - Sport

In these ways he creates a fantasy world as tantalizing as it is unattainable.

The New York Times - Books

It breaks the seal on the memory, which, like every other scarce resource, is valuable precisely because it is unattainable.

The Guardian - Opinion

Such a fusion is probably as undesirable as it is unattainable: genre distinctions are part of what makes music comprehensible in the first place.

The New Yorker

Benedict, in the course of their conversation, maintained that "the rational or ethical or religious formula that would embrace the whole world and unite all persons does not exist; or, at least, it is unattainable at the present moment".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

The unattainable doesn't often make us happy – it's unattainable.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, sources in the DCMS acknowledged it would be impossibe to keep the 2010 target if broadcasters agreed it was unattainable.

The Guardian

Mr Cable, who has clashed with Ms May over the target, said it was "unattainable" without "enormous damage" and was only achievable if the Tories "increase the number of British people emigrating".

Independent

But he recognizes also the impossibility of ever fully possessing Albertine: "My desire for her was desire for her whole life: a desire that was full of pain, because I sensed it was unattainable".

The New York Times - Books

Strive to find truth while realizing it's unattainable.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is unattainable" to describe goals, standards, or ideals that are realistically impossible to achieve, given current circumstances or inherent limitations.

Common error

Avoid using "it is unattainable" when the goal is merely challenging or requires significant effort. Reserve it for situations where success is genuinely impossible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is unattainable" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, describing a subject (often a goal, ideal, or standard) as impossible to achieve. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to express that something is beyond reach.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

25%

Opinion

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is unattainable" is used to describe goals, standards, or ideals that are realistically impossible to achieve. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English, typically appearing in news, opinion pieces, and scientific contexts. Alternatives include phrases like "it is impossible" or "it is out of reach". When employing this phrase, ensure that the situation genuinely represents an impossibility rather than a mere difficulty. Overusing it in less extreme contexts can diminish its impact and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is unachievable

This alternative directly replaces 'unattainable' with a synonym emphasizing the inability to achieve the goal.

it is impossible

This alternative uses a stronger term, 'impossible', to convey a higher degree of certainty that the goal cannot be reached.

it is out of reach

This alternative uses a more metaphorical expression, suggesting the goal is beyond one's grasp.

it is beyond reach

Similar to 'out of reach', this emphasizes that the goal is not accessible.

it is not feasible

This alternative focuses on the practicality of achieving the goal, suggesting it's not realistic given current constraints.

it is not viable

Similar to 'not feasible', this highlights the lack of sustainability or workability of the goal.

it is a pipe dream

This alternative uses an idiomatic expression to describe the goal as an unrealistic fantasy.

it is wishful thinking

This alternative suggests that believing the goal is achievable is based on desire rather than reality.

it is a lost cause

This alternative implies that any effort to achieve the goal would be futile.

it is just a dream

This alternative compares the goal to something that only exists within one's imagination and is thus unattainable.

FAQs

How can I use "it is unattainable" in a sentence?

You can use "it is unattainable" to describe something that cannot be achieved, such as "The goal of zero emissions seems "it is unattainable" in the short term."

What can I say instead of "it is unattainable"?

Alternatives to "it is unattainable" include "it is impossible", "it is unachievable", or "it is out of reach", depending on the specific context.

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

"It is unattainable" is appropriate when describing a goal or standard that is realistically impossible to meet, given current constraints or limitations. It suggests a higher degree of impossibility than simply being difficult.

What is the difference between "it is unattainable" and "it is difficult"?

"It is unattainable" implies that achieving something is impossible, whereas "it is difficult" suggests that achieving it will require significant effort but is still possible. Using "it is unattainable" indicates a fundamental barrier prevents success, making alternatives like "it is impossible" more appropriate.