unattainable

adjective

un·​at·​tain·​able ˌən-ə-ˈtā-nə-bəl 

: not able to be accomplished or achieved : not attainable

unattainable goals

an unattainable ideal

unattainability

ˌən-ə-ˌtā-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

unattainably

ˌən-ə-ˈtā-nə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms of unattainable

• inaccessible
• unavailable
• untouchable
• unobtainable

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

Outsourcing questions about improving one’s appearance to software that was built to optimize someone’s looks based on existing patterns creates an endless spiral in which increasingly unattainable results are reinforced and standardized. — Jaimie Potters, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026

Decades later, fulfilling the typical American Dream of a home with white picket fence dotting the front lawn has become all but unattainable, as home prices have soared 235% since January 2000. — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026

As a young couple with three children in the 1970s, Teresita Palomeque and her husband thought buying a house was an unattainable dream. — Constance Malleret, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Aug. 2026

The ongoing housing crisis, characterized by soaring rents and unattainable mortgages, is profoundly disrupting communities, forcing displacement and severing crucial relationships. — Belonging Forum, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unattainable

• attainable
• explainable
• maintainable
• obtainable
• sustainable
• ascertainable
• unexplainable
• unobtainable
• unsustainable
• trainable