it seemed unattainable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seemed unattainable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation, goal, or aspiration that appears difficult or impossible to achieve. Example: "Despite her efforts, the championship title seemed unattainable for the team this season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The path to my dream shifted several times, and at times it seemed unattainable and unpredictable.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"They talk about how it seems unattainable when you look at these women when you're pregnant," Baumann explained.

Huffington Post

Beset by the rising prices, the Culture of No, and other contributing factors such as stagnant wages and overwhelming student loan debt, many potential first time homebuyers are losing faith in the prospect of homeownership altogether - not because it is altogether unattractive, rather it seems unattainable.

Huffington Post

It never seemed unattainable to me.

The Guardian - Books

WHEN Abdullah Ocalan, a Kurd from a cotton-rich corner of south-eastern Turkey, helped to set up the Kurdish Workers' Party better known by its Kurdish initials, PKK some 20 years ago, his aims seemed unattainable.

The Economist

The distance seemed unattainable.

The New York Times - Sports

But signing Hernández himself seemed unattainable.

The New York Times - Sports

That seemed unattainable, but so did most of his desires.

The New Yorker

She must have seemed unattainable to shy Toby and, ultimately, she was unattainable.

The New Yorker

But "there was something about the human face that seemed unattainable".

The New Yorker

Respectively, they picked the Rolling Stones, the Smiths, and Adam & the Ants; all three groups were inspirational but all equally seemed unattainable, otherworldly.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it seemed unattainable" to describe goals, aspirations, or states that appeared impossible to achieve at a specific point in time. This phrase effectively conveys a sense of past perception and potential subsequent change.

Common error

Avoid using "it seemed unattainable" with concrete nouns that have definitive measurements. For example, saying "The table seemed unattainable" doesn't make sense. Instead, reserve this phrase for abstract goals, dreams, or states of being.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seemed unattainable" functions as a descriptive statement, expressing a subjective perception of something being impossible to achieve. As Ludwig AI shows, it's commonly used to reflect on past perceptions that may have changed over time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

9%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it seemed unattainable" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe something that appeared impossible or very difficult to achieve at a particular point in time. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's versatile, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, and commonly found in news and media. When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with abstract concepts rather than concrete nouns for optimal clarity. Consider alternatives like "it appeared out of reach" or "it felt impossible to achieve" for nuanced expression. Overall, "it seemed unattainable" is a reliable way to convey a past perception of impossibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appeared out of reach

This alternative focuses on the visual impression of something being beyond one's grasp.

it felt impossible to achieve

This alternative emphasizes the subjective feeling of impossibility associated with the goal.

it looked unachievable

This suggests something appeared impossible based on observation.

it was beyond reach

This focuses on the idea that the goal was not within the realm of possibility.

it was a pipe dream

This idiom suggests the goal was an unrealistic or fanciful hope.

it was a distant prospect

Implies the goal was unlikely to happen soon or ever.

it was a long shot

This suggests the goal had a very low probability of success.

it seemed like a fantasy

Emphasizes the unrealistic or dreamlike quality of the goal.

it was a far-fetched idea

Indicates that the idea was implausible or unlikely to succeed.

it was wishful thinking

This suggests the belief in the possibility of the goal was based more on desire than reality.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it seemed unattainable"?

You can use alternatives like "it appeared out of reach", "it felt impossible to achieve", or "it looked unachievable" depending on the context.

Is "it seemed unattainable" formal or informal?

The phrase "it seemed unattainable" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as demonstrated by its usage across various news media and publications. It is considered neutral in tone.

What does "it seemed unattainable" mean?

The phrase "it seemed unattainable" means that something appeared impossible or very difficult to achieve at a particular point in time. It suggests a perception of impossibility that may or may not be accurate.

Can I use "it seemed unattainable" to describe a past belief?

Yes, "it seemed unattainable" is typically used to describe a past belief or perception about the difficulty or impossibility of achieving something. It often implies that the situation may have changed or that the belief was not entirely accurate.