rather unrealistic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rather unrealistic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not likely to happen or is impractical in a given context. Example: "The proposal for a 100% increase in sales within a month seems rather unrealistic given the current market conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

"I think it's a rather unrealistic notion".

The New York Times

Some of your aspirations tend to be rather unrealistic".

Independent

To win over wavering colleagues, the sponsors have brought the deadline forward to a rather unrealistic 2014.

The Economist

Barclays wrote in a September report, "Our feeling is that Libors are again becoming rather unrealistic and do not reflect the true cost of borrowing".

The New York Times

Arguably, cohabiting couples are more moral than married ones, never making the promise in the first place that, most people agree and 42% prove, is rather unrealistic.

The Guardian - Opinion

I liked the characters, especially Charlie, who, though placed in a rather unrealistic story, seems very normal and real, making it easy to empathise with her.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Not unrealistic, but it's kinda unrealistic.

The Guardian - Music

If there is a problem with the EPA's test procedure, it is the fuel used rather than unrealistic driving cycles.

The Economist

There are some knowledge claims (/denials) which, though they concern everyday matters, rather than unrealistic skeptical ones, can seem to threaten skeptical consequences.

SEP

America's transportation problems are serious enough that we need serious policy that looks out for the public interest, rather than unrealistic solutions to problems that don't exist in the first place.

Huffington Post

The VHX trial demonstrates that framework requirements are achievable rather than unrealistic and aspirational in such contexts.

BMC Medical Ethics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rather unrealistic" when you want to politely express that a plan, idea, or expectation is not likely to succeed or be practical. It's a softer way of saying something is not realistic.

Common error

While "rather unrealistic" is acceptable, overuse in formal contexts may weaken your argument. Opt for stronger synonyms like "impractical" or "infeasible" to convey a more definitive assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather unrealistic" functions as an adjectival modifier, specifically an adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or noun phrase, describing something as not being likely to happen or practical. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rather unrealistic" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, used to express that something is unlikely or impractical. While not extremely common, it appears across various contexts, including scientific and news media, with a neutral register. When writing, remember that it conveys a milder sense of improbability compared to "completely unrealistic". If aiming for a more forceful tone in formal settings, consider alternatives like "impractical" or "infeasible". By using "rather unrealistic" judiciously, you can effectively temper expectations and offer a balanced assessment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat impractical

Emphasizes the lack of practicality more directly.

not entirely feasible

Indicates a problem with the practicality or achievability.

slightly improbable

Focuses on the low probability of something happening.

a little unlikely

Simple and direct expression of low probability.

a bit far-fetched

Suggests the idea is stretched or difficult to believe.

mildly optimistic

Highlights the overly hopeful nature of an expectation.

scarcely achievable

Highlights the difficulty in achieving the goal.

somewhat questionable

Raises doubts about the validity or attainability.

rather dubious

Expresses a sense of uncertainty and implausibility.

somewhat fanciful

Suggests the idea is based on imagination rather than reality.

FAQs

How can I use "rather unrealistic" in a sentence?

You can use "rather unrealistic" to describe plans, expectations, or ideas that are unlikely to succeed or are impractical. For example, "Expecting immediate profits in a volatile market is "rather unrealistic"."

What are some alternatives to "rather unrealistic"?

Alternatives include "somewhat impractical", "slightly improbable", or "not entirely feasible", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "rather unrealistic"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Rather" is an adverb that modifies the adjective "unrealistic", making the phrase perfectly acceptable in English.

What's the difference between "rather unrealistic" and "completely unrealistic"?

"Rather unrealistic" implies a degree of improbability, but not necessarily impossibility. "Completely unrealistic" suggests there's absolutely no chance of success or feasibility. The former is milder than the latter.