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

• 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

Rising housing prices and high interest rates have made the dream of home ownership — long considered a core tenant of financial success — appear increasingly unattainable. —Alex Harring, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2025

And the Sheriff’s Office is requesting a Boston Dynamics SPOT Robot, a four-legged robot used to reach unattainable areas. —Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 23 Sep. 2025

Nip Perfectionism In The Bud Another aspect of nurturing problem-solving is to offer assurances that perfection is unattainable. —Janine Schindler, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025

Indeed, with the big beautiful bill cutting air pollution monitoring measures and clean energy incentives for corporations, environmental protection feels like an unattainable dream. —Lahari Vuppaladhadiam, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unattainable

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