# unattainable

/ˌənəˈteɪnəbəɫ/ (US) · /ʌnɐtˈeɪnəbəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unattainable
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

impossible to reach or achieve. You use this to describe a goal or a place that feels too far away to get to.

For teachers: impossible to reach, achieve, or obtain. Often describes goals that are distant or objects that are physically out of reach.

## Examples

- The summit of the mountain is unattainable for most climbers.
- Many people find the dream of living in a large city unattainable due to the high cost of housing.
- The philosopher argued that true happiness is an unattainable ideal for most humans, as our desires are constantly shifting and expanding.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.