may not be achievable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may not be achievable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of reaching a certain goal or outcome, indicating that it might not be possible to achieve it. Example: "While we aim for high sales targets, we must acknowledge that these figures may not be achievable given the current market conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For a nonlinear device, since the principle of superposition does not apply, the ''broadband" performance improvements achieved for single-frequency excitations may not be achievable for multi-frequency excitations.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

These may not be achievable with conventional approaches.

Expert Systems with Applications

The president's goals, however you characterize the strategies under consideration, may or may not be achievable.

The New York Times

"And that may not be achievable until there's a change in Administration".

The New Yorker

Nominal dimensions may not be achievable during manufacturing processes, due to technological or financial limitations.

Journal of Materials Processing Technology

There may be better ways to take Berwick forward, rather than something which may not be achievable.

The Guardian

For highly flexible structural model, ideal sliding surface producing pure rigid body motion may not be achievable.

Acta Astronautica

Now that Stephen Carter's Digital Britain report has recommended a switchover date of 2015, they are complaining that it may not be achievable.

The Guardian

Critics say its scientific mandate has never been well defined, and that some specific goals, like growing near-perfect crystals in microgravity, may not be achievable.

The New York Times

It may not be achievable, but we should probably pursue World Heritage status because I think we would pick up quite a lot of pointers on the way.

The Guardian

Nutritional support in these patients should be therefore considered, particularly to prevent progressive weight loss, since restoration of lean and fat body mass may not be achievable.

Clinical Nutrition

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may not be achievable" to temper expectations when discussing ambitious goals, acknowledging potential limitations or challenges. This sets a realistic tone and prepares stakeholders for possible setbacks.

Common error

Avoid immediately following "may not be achievable" with definitive statements that completely dismiss the possibility. Instead, follow up with explanations of potential obstacles or alternative approaches to maintain a balanced perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may not be achievable" functions as a modal expression indicating the potential inability to reach a desired outcome. It's used to express uncertainty or doubt about the feasibility of a goal. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may not be achievable" is a versatile expression used to indicate that a desired outcome faces potential limitations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. While expressing doubt, it also serves to temper expectations and acknowledge challenges, making it a useful tool for realistic communication. It appears most frequently in scientific and news-related content, showing its use in both analytical and informative writing. To be most effective in writing, avoid overstating certainty when using this phrase and follow it with a brief description of the circumstances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might not be feasible

Replaces "achievable" with "feasible", focusing on the practicality or suitability of the goal.

might not be attainable

Replaces "achievable" with "attainable", suggesting a question of whether the goal is within reach.

may prove impossible

Shifts the focus to impossibility, emphasizing a stronger likelihood of failure.

may not come to fruition

Uses a more figurative expression to suggest that the intended outcome might not materialize.

could be unrealistic

Focuses on the lack of realism, indicating that the goal is detached from practical considerations.

is of questionable viability

Highlights doubts about the success or sustainability of the endeavor.

is unlikely to succeed

Directly addresses the low probability of achieving the desired result.

faces significant obstacles

Emphasizes the challenges and barriers that hinder the achievement of the goal.

is far from guaranteed

Stresses the uncertainty and lack of assurance in reaching the outcome.

is a long shot

Uses an idiom to denote a low probability of success.

FAQs

How can I use "may not be achievable" in a sentence?

You can use "may not be achievable" to express that a goal is unlikely to be reached due to certain limitations or circumstances. For example, "While we aim for complete market saturation, it "may not be achievable" in the current economic climate."

What are some alternatives to saying "may not be achievable"?

Alternatives to "may not be achievable" include phrases like "might not be feasible", "unlikely to succeed", or "could be unrealistic", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "may not be achievable" a formal or informal expression?

"May not be achievable" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's a relatively neutral expression that can be used in professional reports, news articles, and everyday conversations.

What's the difference between "may not be achievable" and "cannot be achieved"?

"May not be achievable" suggests a possibility that the goal might not be reached, while "cannot be achieved" implies a higher degree of certainty that the goal is impossible. "May not be achievable" is less definitive and leaves room for potential changes or unexpected outcomes, where "cannot be achieved" sounds definitive and closed.