it seems unattainable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seems unattainable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a feeling or perception that something is difficult to achieve or reach. Example: "Despite my efforts, the goal of completing the marathon in under three hours seems unattainable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

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

Huffington Post

As fertilizer for our new growth we should use imagination and compassion; only when we are brave enough to pursue what seems unattainable is it possible to achieve what is beyond reality.

Huffington Post

It can be suave in Idris Elba or snooty in Monty Python while a similar multiplicity that currently seems unattainable for the Canto-Japo-Koreo-Mando-HK accent used on television.

Vice

Or she may seem so perfect that matching her success seems unattainable.

The New York Times

But there is also a yearning for rebirth, maybe even for the kind of harmony that seems unattainable on land.

The New York Times - Books

As a result legal resettlement seems unattainable to most refugees, forcing them to seek alternate means of reaching Europe.

The Guardian

The president's prediction of a million electric cars on the road by 2015 seems unattainable, given the tepid demand for the first models on the market.

The New York Times

As a result, the right course of action — allowing all cases currently before the judges to proceed through to completion — now seems unattainable.

The New York Times

Work hard, value learning, remember that the journey is worthwhile even if the destination seems unattainable, and keep things in proportion.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a goal that "it seems unattainable", follow it with actionable steps or strategies to show how one might attempt to make it attainable. This provides a balanced perspective and encourages problem-solving.

Common error

Avoid using phrases like "completely unattainable" when "it seems unattainable" already implies a high degree of difficulty. Overstating the impossibility can make your writing sound overly dramatic or pessimistic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems unattainable" functions as a descriptive expression. "Seems" acts as a linking verb connecting the subject "it" to the adjective "unattainable", indicating a subjective assessment. Ludwig examples confirm this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it seems unattainable" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to convey a feeling or perception that something is difficult to achieve. Ludwig AI confirm that the expression is valid and commonly used. While "it seems unattainable" finds frequent use in news, science and business contexts, remember to consider the specific nuance you wish to express and ensure your language isn't overly absolute. By using this phrase thoughtfully, you can effectively communicate a sense of challenge while leaving room for potential solutions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appears unachievable

Replaces "seems" with "appears" and "unattainable" with "unachievable", slightly altering the tone.

it feels impossible

Shifts the perspective to a feeling of impossibility, emphasizing a subjective sense of difficulty.

it looks unfeasible

Focuses on the practicality of achieving something, suggesting it's not realistically possible.

it is beyond reach

Uses a more metaphorical expression, suggesting something is out of one's grasp.

it is out of the question

Indicates that something is not even worth considering because it's so unlikely.

it is a pipe dream

Implies that something is an unrealistic or fanciful hope.

it is a lost cause

Suggests that any effort to achieve something would be futile.

it is like chasing rainbows

Uses a simile to convey the idea that something is elusive and impossible to catch.

it defies possibility

Emphasizes the extreme unlikelihood of something happening.

it is a far cry

Suggests that something is very different from what is desired or expected, making it seem impossible to attain.

FAQs

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

You can use "it seems unattainable" to describe goals, dreams, or situations that appear difficult or impossible to achieve. For example, "Despite the challenges, success doesn't always have to be "it seems unattainable"".

What are some alternatives to "it seems unattainable"?

Alternatives include "it appears unachievable", "it feels impossible", or "it looks unfeasible", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it seems unattainable" formal or informal?

"It seems unattainable" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "it appears unachievable" might be preferred in academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "it seems unattainable" and "it is unattainable"?

"It seems unattainable" expresses a perception or feeling that something is difficult to achieve, while "it is unattainable" states it as a fact. The former leaves room for doubt or possibility, while the latter is more definitive.