largely unattainable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "largely unattainable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is mostly impossible to achieve or reach. Example: "The goal of achieving world peace may seem largely unattainable given the current global conflicts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Mr. Markus said that, without more jobs, home buying will remain a largely unattainable goal.

The New York Times

Traditional diagnostics often rely on costly reagents, cold-chain distribution, specialized equipment and technical personnel, all of which are largely unattainable on-site.

Columbia University

Due to termination of the U.S. Department of Energy loan/lease program in 2012, the expense of obtaining 252Cf sources has undergone a significant increase, rendering high output sources largely unattainable.

Radiation Physics and Chemistry

By picturing only one, very narrow and largely unattainable female body type, lads' mags are reinforcing some already dangerous notions taking root in the minds of our young people.

Independent

This includes both money and human resources for educational enhancements, notably paid internships that provide a bridge to the business and professional world for students, particularly in communities where these opportunities are largely unattainable.

The New York Times

John's basic proposals were that rational certitude is largely unattainable because of the fallibility of the senses, and, even granting the possibility of the human mind's forming correct ideas, truth escapes it because God, in his absolute power, can alter reality.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Accurate identification of fever aetiology in patients presenting to the ED is a desirable objective, but often it is unattainable, largely because signs and symptoms of bacterial and viral infections considerably overlap each other and often are nonspecific.

BMC Infectious Diseases

See related letter by van Oers et al., Accurate identification of bacterial aetiology of fever in patients attending the emergency department (ED) is a desirable objective but it is often unattainable, largely because signs and symptoms of bacterial and viral infections overlap considerably.

Critical Care

His feelings for Catherine are overwhelming; she makes him shy, lovestruck, in a way that Beatrice does not — or, perhaps, that only Catherine can, largely because she's unattainable.

The New Yorker

His feelings for Catherine are overwhelming; she makes him shy, love-struck, in a way that Beatrice does not — or, perhaps, that only Catherine can, largely because she's unattainable.

The New Yorker

It appears as though they are returning to a time in their youth when they were infatuated with teenage boy bands and read teen magazines; a time when beautiful young men were still magical and unattainable and thus largely unthreatening.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "largely unattainable", ensure the context clearly indicates the degree of impossibility. For instance, instead of saying "Success is largely unattainable", specify what makes it so, such as, "For marginalized communities, upward mobility remains largely unattainable due to systemic barriers".

Common error

Avoid using "largely unattainable" when something is merely difficult or challenging. This phrase suggests a high degree of impossibility, so ensure the situation warrants such a strong term. Opt for less absolute terms if the goal is still within reach, such as "difficult to attain".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "largely unattainable" functions as a descriptive modifier, typically used to qualify nouns or concepts by indicating the degree to which they cannot be achieved. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "largely unattainable" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes something as mostly impossible to achieve. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its accuracy and relevance. While not overly frequent, it appears commonly in news, scientific, and academic contexts, suggesting a formal to neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure that the degree of impossibility is accurately portrayed and avoid using it for situations that are merely difficult, but not mostly impossible. Consider using alternatives like "mostly unreachable" or "primarily impossible" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mostly unreachable

Emphasizes the difficulty in reaching a specific goal or target.

primarily impossible

Focuses on the impossibility as the main characteristic.

substantially unachievable

Highlights the significant extent to which something cannot be achieved.

largely unrealistic

Indicates that something is not grounded in reality or practicality.

practically out of reach

Suggests that something is just beyond one's grasp.

virtually impossible

Emphasizes near impossibility, close to being completely impossible.

effectively unattainable

Focuses on the practical result being the same as if it were unattainable.

for the most part, unachievable

Highlights that while not entirely impossible, achievement is very unlikely.

almost impossible to obtain

Highlights the challenge associated with obtaining something.

extremely difficult to secure

Focuses on the effort required to obtain something, indicating it is very challenging.

FAQs

What does "largely unattainable" mean?

The phrase "largely unattainable" describes something that is mostly impossible to achieve or obtain. It implies that while there might be a small chance of success, it is very unlikely.

What can I say instead of "largely unattainable"?

You can use alternatives like "mostly unreachable", "primarily impossible", or "substantially unachievable" depending on the context.

How to use "largely unattainable" in a sentence?

You can use "largely unattainable" to describe goals, standards, or ideals. For example: "The goal of eradicating poverty completely remains "largely unattainable" in many parts of the world".

Is "largely unattainable" a formal or informal phrase?

"Largely unattainable" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's more common in formal writing or speech due to its precise and descriptive nature.