1 unattainability | Definition of unattainability

unattainable

adjective
un·​at·​tain·​able | \ ˌən-ə-ˈtā-nə-bəl How to pronounce unattainable (audio) \

Definition of unattainable

: not able to be accomplished or achieved : not attainable unattainable goals an unattainable ideal

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Other Words from unattainable

unattainability \ ˌən-​ə-​ˌtā-​nə-​ˈbi-​lə-​tē How to pronounce unattainability (audio) \ noun
unattainably \ ˌən-​ə-​ˈtā-​nə-​blē How to pronounce unattainably (audio) \ adverb

Examples of unattainable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Talking and listening were unattainable luxuries left for better days. Maria Danilova, Harper's magazine, "Alternative Medicine," 28 Aug. 2019 The Irish quartet had set a seemingly unattainable standard for worldwide domination after 110 in-the-round performances in stadiums around the globe. Eric Frankenberg, Billboard, "Ed Sheeran's Record-Breaking Divide Tour Posts Final Numbers: 255 Shows, $776.2 Million Grossed," 27 Aug. 2019 Your energies, however, may be drained by a new relationship or unattainable dreams. Tribune Content Agency, oregonlive.com, "Horoscope for Aug. 23, 2019: Gemini, speak from your heart; Capricorn, think about making key changes," 23 Aug. 2019 But when Kid, whose gender is undefined, falls for a punk rock girl who appears unattainable, the racing game turns into an endless drive on city highways, a plea to be somewhere and with someone else. Todd Martens, chicagotribune.com, "The buzzed-about game ’198X’ isn’t just about ’80s arcade nostalgia, but about trying to find your place in the world," 5 Aug. 2019 What's more disappointing, though, is the way the novel doubles down on the hackneyed cliche of the tragic, unattainable beauty. Ron Charles, Dallas News, "In Richard Russo's 'Chances Are...,' a charming reunion unearths a chilling disappearance," 30 July 2019 Password: JeremyAndKate4Ever Error: Password must not be an unattainable fantasy. Claire Friedman, The New Yorker, "This Password Is Invalid," 15 July 2019 And things went from bad to worse as defender Millie Bright picked up her second yellow card of the game, leaving England with an unattainable mountain to climb heading into the final few seconds of the semi-final. SI.com, "England 1-2 United States: Report, Ratings & Reaction as Lionesses Fall Short in Semi-Final Classic," 2 July 2019 But when Kid, whose gender is undefined, falls for a punk rock girl who appears unattainable, the racing game turns into an endless drive on city highways, a plea to be somewhere and with someone else. Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, "What to play: Beyond ‘198X’s’ love letter to video arcades, how games shape our worldviews," 29 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'unattainable.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of unattainable

1662, in the meaning defined above

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More from Merriam-Webster on unattainable

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with unattainable

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for unattainable

Spanish Central: Translation of unattainable

Britannica English: Translation of unattainable for Arabic Speakers