unattainable
UK: ˌʌn.əˈteɪ.nə.bəl | US: ˌʌn.əˈteɪ.nə.bəl
adj. impossible to achieve or reach
adj. beyond one's grasp or capability
unattainable = un<not> + attain<reach> + able<capable of>
- un (prefix): From Old English "un-," meaning "not."
- attain: From Old French "attaindre," derived from Latin "attingere" (ad- "to" + tangere "touch"), meaning "to reach."
- able (suffix): From Latin "-abilis," indicating capacity or possibility.
Etymology Origin:
The word "unattainable" combines negation ("un-") with the verb "attain" (to achieve) and the suffix "-able" (capable of). Its Latin roots emphasize the idea of "failing to touch or reach," evolving into a term describing something beyond reach or impossible to achieve. The logical progression reflects a physical action (touching) metaphorically extending to abstract goals.
Perfection is often an unattainable ideal.
The summit seemed unattainable due to the harsh weather.
His dreams felt unattainable after the setback.
Financial independence is not unattainable with proper planning.
The scientist dismissed the theory as unattainable in practice.