it was unattainable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was unattainable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that could not be achieved or reached, often in a context of goals, dreams, or aspirations. Example: "Despite her efforts, the promotion she desired felt like it was unattainable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

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

It didn't matter what the goal was, so long as it was unattainable.

Vice

What's insane is that Watson is now a Masters champion, something he never dreamed as a kid because he felt it was unattainable.

Huffington Post

"When I first heard it," he said, "I thought it was unattainable, like you can wiggle your ears or not, or roll your tongue or not".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It is unattainable, of course.

The Economist

It is too intimidating; it is unattainable.

The Guardian - Sport

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

The Guardian - Opinion

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was unattainable" to describe goals or aspirations that are realistically impossible to achieve. This can add emphasis to the difficulty or futility of a situation.

Common error

Avoid using "it was unattainable" for situations that are merely difficult, but not truly impossible. Overusing the phrase diminishes its impact when describing genuinely unreachable goals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was unattainable" functions as a predicative adjective phrase. It describes a state or condition of something being impossible to reach or achieve. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. For example: What's insane is that Watson is now a Masters champion, something he never dreamed as a kid because he felt it was unattainable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

22%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was unattainable" is used to describe something that could not be achieved or reached. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical status and use across various contexts. While frequently found in News & Media and Science, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal settings. Remember to use it to describe genuinely unreachable goals to maximize its impact. Related alternatives include "it was out of reach" and "it was not achievable".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was out of reach

Changes the wording to emphasize distance or impossibility of obtaining something.

it was beyond reach

Emphasizes the impossibility of attaining a specific goal or object.

it was not achievable

Focuses on the lack of possibility of achieving a particular outcome or goal.

it was not feasible

Highlights the impracticality of achieving something due to constraints.

it proved impossible

Underlines the eventual failure to achieve something despite efforts.

it could not be realized

Emphasizes the inability to bring something into existence or make it happen.

it was an illusion

Indicates that the desired outcome was never realistically possible.

it was a fantasy

Highlights the unrealistic and imaginary nature of the goal or aspiration.

it was a pipe dream

Suggests that the goal was an unrealistic fantasy from the start.

it was a lost cause

Indicates that continuing to pursue the goal would be futile.

FAQs

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

Use "it was unattainable" to describe something that could not be achieved or reached. For instance, "Despite her efforts, the promotion she desired felt like it was unattainable."

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

You can use alternatives like "it was out of reach", "it was beyond reach", or "it was not achievable" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "that was unattainable" instead of "it was unattainable"?

Yes, "that was unattainable" is grammatically correct. The choice between "it" and "that" depends on the specific context and what you're referring to.

What's the difference between "it was unattainable" and "it was impossible"?

While similar, "it was unattainable" implies something could not be reached, whereas "it was impossible" suggests something could not occur or be done at all. The former focuses on achievement, the latter on possibility.