unrealistic

UK: ˌʌnrɪəˈlɪstɪk | US: ˌʌnriəˈlɪstɪk

Definition

  1. adj. not based on facts or likely to happen; impractical

  2. adj. excessively idealistic or imaginative

Structure
un <not>real <actual>istic <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word "unrealistic" combines three morphemes:

  1. "un-" (Old English "un-"), a prefix meaning "not," negates the root.
  2. "real" (Latin "realis," from "res" meaning "thing"), referring to factual existence.
  3. "-istic" (Greek "-istikos"), an adjectival suffix indicating a quality or tendency.

Originally, "real" entered English via Old French "reel," grounded in Latin "realis." The suffix "-istic" was later appended to form adjectives describing characteristics. The full term "unrealistic" emerged to describe ideas or plans detached from practical reality, emphasizing negation ("un-") of what is grounded ("real").

Examples

  1. His dream of becoming a billionaire by age 25 is unrealistic.

  2. The project timeline was criticized as unrealistic by the team.

  3. She dismissed his unrealistic expectations with a sigh.

  4. Unrealistic beauty standards can harm self-esteem.

  5. The proposal was rejected for relying on unrealistic assumptions.