unattainable

adjective

un·​at·​tain·​able ˌən-ə-ˈtā-nə-bəl How to pronounce unattainable (audio)
: not able to be accomplished or achieved : not attainable
unattainable goals
an unattainable ideal
unattainability noun
unattainably adverb

Examples of unattainable in a Sentence

an eagle's nest in an unattainable location unfortunately, world peace is probably an unattainable ideal
Recent Examples on the Web The challengers argued that the EPA overstepped and imposed unattainable standards. L'oreal Thompson Payton, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2024 However, the American Dream has become increasingly challenging and, for many, unattainable. Jack Kelly, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024 In that pursuit of the unattainable, the two amigos often have achieved cinematic brilliance together. Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2024 Complete self-awareness is both an unattainable standard and a false promise, as is complete transparency with someone else, no matter what your wedding vows say or suggest. Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for unattainable 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unattainable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unattainable was in 1662

Dictionary Entries Near unattainable

Cite this Entry

“Unattainable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unattainable. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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