nearly unattainable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nearly unattainable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is very difficult to achieve or obtain, but not completely impossible. Example: "The goal of achieving a perfect score on the exam seemed nearly unattainable, yet many students worked hard to reach it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Since permits for free movement are nearly unattainable, unemployment and poverty are sky high.

The New York Times

Part style manual for Japanese fans of American "trad" style and, somewhat inadvertently, an ethnographic study, "Take Ivy" went on to become, in the decades since publication, the nearly unattainable center of a passionate cult.

The New York Times

"For a long time the world of high fashion, runways, and top models who smile at us from ads in luxury publications and who appear in the most influential TV commercials around the world was nearly unattainable for Slovenian girls," the magazine wrote.

The New Yorker

The track-ready SVO car of the mid-'80s was packaged as a nearly unattainable aspirational car, a status set by its combination of exotic technology and rarified price.

BBC

The number nine is nearly unattainable.

Vice

According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, a resident of New York City must earn at least $19.58 an hour to afford adequate housing, something nearly unattainable for low-income working families or individuals.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Given all the bills, statements, manuals, letters, to-dos, shopping lists and junk mail that cover nearly every surface in our homes, it can feel like the most unattainable task.

Huffington Post

It presents both virtue and self-knowledge as almost unattainable.

SEP

She enters Richard's room wrapped in latex, but even when naked — or nearly naked — she is unattainable.

The New Yorker

For most, it has proved  unattainable.

Independent

You can take pictures unattainable by most travelers.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nearly unattainable" to add nuance to your writing. It communicates a challenge that may be overcome with effort, unlike "impossible" which suggests a definitive barrier.

Common error

Avoid using "nearly unattainable" when the situation is definitively impossible. The 'nearly' implies a chance of success, however slim. If there is no chance, use "impossible" or a stronger term.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nearly unattainable" functions as an adjectival modifier, describing a noun by indicating a state that is just short of being impossible to achieve. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "nearly unattainable" serves as a nuanced adjectival modifier, effectively conveying a high degree of difficulty without implying absolute impossibility. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. While not as common as alternatives like "almost impossible", it adds a specific shade of meaning, emphasizing the challenge while leaving room for potential success. The phrase sees frequent usage in news and media, but is also present in encyclopedic, and wiki contexts. Writers should be aware of the subtle distinction from "completely unattainable" to ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost impossible

Emphasizes the high degree of difficulty, close to being impossible.

close to impossible

Similar to "almost impossible" but with a slightly different emphasis.

just about unattainable

Adds a sense of finality or closeness to the unattainable state.

virtually unreachable

Highlights the difficulty in reaching a goal, suggesting it's practically out of reach.

practically unachievable

Focuses on the practical aspects of achieving something, suggesting it's not realistic.

extremely difficult to obtain

Specifically addresses the challenge of obtaining something.

barely achievable

Focuses on the marginal possibility of achievement.

borderline unfeasible

Indicates the feasibility is questionable, nearing the point of being unworkable.

scarcely within reach

Emphasizes the limited accessibility or possibility.

almost beyond possibility

Highlights that a possible action or achievement is close to the limits of what can happen or be achieved.

FAQs

How can I use "nearly unattainable" in a sentence?

You can use "nearly unattainable" to describe goals, standards, or objects that are extremely difficult to reach. For instance, "Achieving world peace seems "nearly unattainable", yet we continue to strive for it."

What are some alternatives to using "nearly unattainable"?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you could use alternatives like "almost impossible", "virtually unreachable", or "practically unachievable".

Is there a subtle difference between "nearly unattainable" and "completely unattainable"?

Yes, "nearly unattainable" suggests a very small possibility of success, whereas "completely unattainable" indicates no possibility at all. The choice depends on whether you want to leave room for hope or acknowledge an absolute barrier.

Which is more appropriate, "nearly unattainable goal" or "almost unattainable goal"?

Both are grammatically correct and semantically similar. The choice depends on stylistic preference, but "nearly unattainable goal" is slightly more formal and less frequently used than "almost unattainable goal".