likely unachievable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likely unachievable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a goal or outcome that is expected to be difficult or impossible to attain. Example: "While we aim for ambitious targets, we must acknowledge that some of them may be likely unachievable given our current resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

A major challenge in determining the best way to elicit these data is the lack of a gold standard to assess validity of responses; an absolute measure of what patients experience is likely unachievable.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

After Cohen and Boyer, the nif gene part of the project suddenly became much more feasible, but the transfer of functioning nif genes to plants was most likely unachievable, given the fundamental differences in the structures of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genes, which became apparent only in subsequent years, and the fact that the K. pneuonniae nif gene cluster consists of 17 genes.

Genetics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

We argued not only that the targets were likely to prove unachievable but attempting to achieve them would result in damaging cuts to public services and investment.

The Guardian - Opinion

Declining revenues amid recession are likely to make the goal unachievable without painful, pro-cyclical spending cuts.

The Economist

Should warming hit the 2C threshold – a target that's come to be seen somewhat arbitrarily as an upper limit, but that many scientists now regard as unachievable – most reefs will likely be devastated by coral bleaching, according to the IPCC.

The Guardian

A whim like that is totally unachievable and will never happen again.

WikiHow

Our project started much like anything else, one seemingly unachievable dream that hatched eight months ago.

Huffington Post

I don't think we ever felt like we actually achieved that almost unachievable goal.

The New York Times - Magazine

Things like "Switch Places With Justin Bieber" and "Marry Your Kitten" are unachievable and funny.

WikiHow

She believed that no-kill was an unachievable policy, and that shelters claiming such a distinction were taking only the animals most likely to be adopted and forcing other shelters to euthanize the castoffs.

The New York Times

But that looks unachievable.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "likely unachievable", ensure you provide context explaining why the goal is unlikely to be achieved. This adds credibility to your statement and prevents it from sounding like a baseless opinion.

Common error

Avoid using "likely unachievable" when a situation is merely difficult but not truly impossible. This phrase suggests a high degree of improbability, so reserve it for situations where failure is almost certain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likely unachievable" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun (often implied), expressing a high degree of improbability. Ludwig examples show it qualifies goals or targets deemed unrealistic. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "likely unachievable" is a valid and useful way to describe goals or outcomes that are improbable, based on Ludwig's analysis. It's best used when you have a reasonable basis for your assessment. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and appropriate in a wide range of contexts, but to be more effective and use it properly, provide reasons to back up your claim. Consider alternatives like "probably unattainable" if you prefer a different tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

probably unattainable

Emphasizes the improbability of reaching a specific goal or status.

most likely impossible

Highlights a stronger sense of certainty regarding the inability to achieve something.

realistically unfeasible

Focuses on practical limitations and constraints making success unlikely.

hardly within reach

Indicates that a goal is very difficult to obtain or accomplish.

unlikely to materialize

Suggests that plans or expectations will probably not become reality.

not realistically viable

Implies that a plan or idea is not practical or sustainable in the long term.

almost certainly hopeless

Conveys a strong sense of pessimism and lack of potential for success.

virtually out of the question

Indicates that something is extremely unlikely and not worth considering.

presumed to be unrealizable

Suggests that something is considered impossible to bring into existence.

deemed substantially improbable

Implies a formal judgment that something is highly unlikely to occur.

FAQs

How can I use "likely unachievable" in a sentence?

You can use "likely unachievable" to describe goals, targets, or outcomes that are improbable. For example, "Meeting the deadline is "likely unachievable" given the current workload".

What are some alternatives to "likely unachievable"?

Some alternatives include "probably unattainable", "most likely impossible", or "realistically unfeasible". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. See more alternatives "here".

Is it better to say "likely unachievable" or "possibly unachievable"?

"Likely unachievable" suggests a higher degree of certainty than "possibly unachievable". Use "likely" when you have strong reasons to believe something won't happen. On the other hand use "possibly" if you are unsure and want to be more prudential.

What's the difference between "likely unachievable" and "seems unachievable"?

"Likely unachievable" implies an objective assessment based on evidence or reasoning. "Seems unachievable" indicates a subjective impression or feeling. Use "likely" if it's founded on solid reasoning and "seems" if based on an initial assessment.