unrealistically

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "unrealistically" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adverb which means not based on reality or not probable. Example sentence: Her expectations of success were unrealistically high.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One of the ironies of increased student fees is that they can heighten student expectations (often unrealistically) about the support services at their institutions.

The Guardian

"We are realistic, we are not a top team yet," insisted Mike Hanke, somewhat unrealistically.

The Guardian - Sport

They demanded, unrealistically, that Mr Yanukovych step down and call early elections.

The Economist

The EU chides America both for demanding unrealistically large tariff cuts from others and for offering too little farm-subsidy reform of its own.In principle, a compromise was there for the taking.

The Economist

He knows Gordon Brown, Mr Blair's presumed successor, far less well.Indeed there is almost a danger that Mr Sarkozy's Atlanticist leanings have raised expectations unrealistically high in Washington and London.

The Economist

President Karzai rather unrealistically threatened in June to send the fledgling Afghan army into the tribal areas of Pakistan to hunt Taliban militants.Western officials acknowledge privately that at least elements of the ISI are engaged in aiding and training the Taliban.

The Economist

And it is certainly better for an incoming government to moderate expectations than unrealistically to inflate them.

The Economist

Bipop-Carire's shareholders think, perhaps unrealistically, that they might have got a better price for the bank's asset-management franchise from someone else: Monte dei Paschi di Siena, UniCredito Italiano and Citigroup are among those reported to have made approaches.

The Economist

Mr Chirac used to posit France, however unrealistically, as a counterpoint to the United States.

The Economist

Even as government stocks have fallen to an unusually low level, the state commodity-supply board has cut back on imports and issued what some experts say are unrealistically optimistic forecasts for Egypt's own spring crop.

The Economist

Motorists will have the ability to find out the actual miles per gallon a car will do in the real world rather than trust the claims made by car companies, which use a box of tricks to make their vehicles unrealistically frugal during tests.Carmakers, usually conservative and slow-moving, are getting ready.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unrealistically", ensure the context clearly indicates what the realistic alternative or expectation would be. This provides a stronger contrast and clarifies your point.

Common error

Avoid using "unrealistically" as a vague criticism. Instead, specify what makes the expectation or assessment unrealistic. For example, instead of saying "The budget was unrealistically optimistic", specify which assumptions were flawed.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "unrealistically" functions as a modifier, describing how an action is performed or a state exists. It indicates that something is done or viewed in a way that is not grounded in reality, as Ludwig examples show.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unrealistically" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverb that conveys a departure from reality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively modifies actions or states to indicate they are not grounded in practical considerations. This analysis reveals its frequent use across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science, while maintaining a neutral register. When using "unrealistically", specify what makes it unrealistic for enhanced clarity. Alternatives like "impractically" and "idealistically" offer nuanced variations for different contexts. By being mindful of its usage, you can ensure your writing is both precise and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without basis in reality

Directly states that something lacks a foundation in the real world.

detached from reality

Highlights a disconnect from the actual circumstances.

with unfounded expectations

Emphasizes that expectations are not supported by evidence or reason.

impractically

Focuses more on the lack of practicality rather than the departure from reality.

in a Utopian manner

Implies a belief in a perfect, but unattainable, state.

idealistically

Emphasizes adherence to ideals without considering practical constraints.

naively

Highlights a lack of experience or knowledge, leading to unrealistic expectations.

optimistically

Focuses on a positive outlook that may not be grounded in reality.

fancifully

Suggests something is based on imagination rather than reality.

erroneously

Indicates something is incorrect or mistaken, leading to unrealistic conclusions.

FAQs

How can I use "unrealistically" in a sentence?

You can use "unrealistically" to describe expectations, goals, or assessments that are not grounded in reality. For example, "The project's timeline was "unrealistically" short, given the complexity of the tasks involved."

What are some alternatives to "unrealistically"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "impractically", "idealistically", or "naively". Choose the word that best reflects the reason for the deviation from reality.

Is it always negative to describe something as "unrealistically" optimistic?

While often negative, implying a flawed assessment, describing something as "unrealistically" optimistic can also serve as a gentle critique, suggesting that a more grounded approach might be beneficial.

What is the difference between "unrealistically" and "optimistically"?

"Optimistically" suggests a positive outlook, while "unrealistically" implies that the optimism is not based on facts or sound judgment. For example, one might "optimistically" hope for a promotion, but it would be "unrealistically" optimistic to expect it without the necessary qualifications.