not realistic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'not realistic' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is impractical or unrealizable. For example, "His goal of becoming a millionaire by the end of the year is not realistic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not realist?" "Not realistic?" "Yes.

The New Yorker

"That's just not realistic".

The New York Times - Sports

"But that's not realistic.

The New York Times

No, that's not realistic.

The New York Times

That's not realistic.

The New York Times

It's not realistic".

The New York Times - Sports

It is not realistic.

The Guardian

Not realistic, but real.

The Guardian

Not realistic, but believable".

The Guardian - Film

"But it's not realistic.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It is simply not realistic".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not realistic", provide specific reasons or evidence to support your claim. This adds credibility to your assessment.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is "not realistic" without explaining why. Always provide context or justification to make your statement more persuasive and informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not realistic" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun. Ludwig AI's examples show it's used to express doubt or disbelief in the achievability or practicality of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not realistic" is a commonly used adjective phrase to express that something is unlikely to happen or be achieved. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage across diverse fields like news, academia, and science. While suitable for neutral registers, avoid overuse without context. Consider alternatives like "impractical" or "unlikely" to add nuance. Remember to provide specific reasons when asserting that something is "not realistic" to strengthen your argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impractical

Focuses on the lack of practicality in a situation or plan.

unachievable

Highlights the impossibility of reaching a specific goal or outcome.

infeasible

Emphasizes the lack of feasibility due to various constraints or limitations.

unlikely

Indicates a low probability of something happening or being true.

not viable

Suggests that something is not capable of succeeding or working effectively.

out of the question

Indicates something is completely impossible or unacceptable.

a pipe dream

Implies an unrealistic hope or fantasy.

beyond the realm of possibility

Stresses that something is outside what is possible.

too good to be true

Suggests something is unlikely to be genuine or sustainable.

living in a fantasy world

Highlights that someone's thoughts are detached from reality.

FAQs

How can I use "not realistic" in a sentence?

You can use "not realistic" to describe plans, expectations, or goals that are unlikely to succeed or be achieved. For example, "Expecting to double sales in one month is "not realistic"."

What are some alternatives to saying "not realistic"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "impractical", "unlikely", or "infeasible".

Is it better to say "not realistic" or "unrealistic"?

Both "not realistic" and "unrealistic" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the specific tone you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "not realistic"?

It is appropriate to use "not realistic" when you want to express that a certain expectation, plan, or assessment is unlikely to align with reality or be achievable in practice.