seems unattainable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seems unattainable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that appears to be impossible to achieve or reach. Example: "Despite our best efforts, the goal of perfecting the project seems unattainable at this stage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

However, with certain barriers and hindrances, the successful development seems unattainable.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Or she may seem so perfect that matching her success seems unattainable.

The New York Times

But there is also a yearning for rebirth, maybe even for the kind of harmony that seems unattainable on land.

The New York Times - Books

As a result legal resettlement seems unattainable to most refugees, forcing them to seek alternate means of reaching Europe.

The Guardian

But what often looks plausible in June seems unattainable by September, after heat and fatigue have taken their toll.

The New York Times

The president's prediction of a million electric cars on the road by 2015 seems unattainable, given the tepid demand for the first models on the market.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

The distance seemed unattainable.

The New York Times - Sports

But signing Hernández himself seemed unattainable.

The New York Times - Sports

It never seemed unattainable to me.

The Guardian - Books

That seemed unattainable, but so did most of his desires.

The New Yorker

She must have seemed unattainable to shy Toby and, ultimately, she was unattainable.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seems unattainable" to express a situation where achieving a desired outcome appears impossible based on current circumstances or available information.

Common error

Avoid using "seems unattainable" in situations where challenges exist but solutions are plausible. Reserve the phrase for scenarios that genuinely appear insurmountable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seems unattainable" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun, expressing a subjective assessment of impossibility. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, pointing out its effectiveness in conveying perceived difficulty. It is used to describe goals or outcomes that appear beyond reach.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seems unattainable" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjective phrase that expresses a subjective perception of impossibility. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, and examples from diverse sources—ranging from news and media to scientific and academic publications—illustrate its versatility. While generally neutral in register, it’s most frequently found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the perceived difficulty of achieving a specific goal and avoid overuse in situations where solutions are plausible. Semantically related alternatives include "appears unachievable" and "looks impossible".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appears unachievable

Emphasizes the visual impression of being impossible to achieve.

looks impossible

Highlights the perceived impossibility based on current circumstances.

is beyond reach

Focuses on the idea of exceeding one's grasp or capabilities.

appears out of reach

Similar to "is beyond reach" but with a slight nuance of temporary inaccessibility.

is not feasible

Stresses the impracticality and lack of viability.

is unrealistic

Indicates a disconnect from practical reality.

is improbable

Highlights the low probability of success or attainment.

is a pipe dream

Suggests the idea is merely a fanciful hope with little chance of realization.

is a long shot

Implies that there is a very low chance of succeeding.

is wishful thinking

Indicates that the idea is based more on desire than on realistic possibility.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "seems unattainable"?

When something "seems unattainable", it means it appears impossible to achieve or reach based on the current situation or available information.

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

You can use "seems unattainable" to describe goals, aspirations, or outcomes that appear impossible to achieve. For example: "Despite our efforts, success "appears unachievable" at this stage."

What are some alternatives to saying "seems unattainable"?

Alternatives include "looks impossible", "is beyond reach", or "is unrealistic", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "seems unattainable" or "is unattainable"?

"Seems unattainable" suggests a perception of impossibility, while "is unattainable" states it as a definite fact. The choice depends on whether you're expressing an opinion or stating a certainty.