Word: unattainable

Associations

Unattainable refers to something that is impossible to achieve or reach. It suggests that while you might desire it, you cannot get or accomplish it.

• Example 1: "Her dream of becoming a multi-billionaire seemed unattainable." This shows that the dream feels impossible.
• Example 2: "The team's goal of winning every game this season is unattainable." Here, it indicates a goal that is likely too high to reach.
• Example 3: "Finding a perfect society may be an unattainable ideal." This illustrates a concept that can be desirable but is difficult to achieve.

The word "impossible" can be a synonym, but the key difference is that unattainable implies that something is out of reach, while impossible means that something cannot happen at all.

Substitution

Some words or phrases you can use instead of unattainable are:

• "Out of reach" (suggests something is not accessible)
• "Unachievable" (indicates something cannot be accomplished)
• "Impractical" (implies that something cannot be realistically done)

Each option slightly changes the meaning. For example, "out of reach" emphasizes physical or situational distance, while "impossible" suggests that, regardless of effort, success can never be realized.

Deconstruction

The word "unattainable" can be broken down as follows:

• Prefix: "un-" meaning not or opposite of.
• Root: "attain" meaning to achieve or reach.
• Suffix: "-able" indicating something that can be done.

So, "unattainable" literally means "not able to be attained." The word comes from the Old French word "ateindre," which means to reach or achieve, and reflects a desire or effort that cannot come to fruition.

Inquiry

• Think about a goal in your life. Do you consider any of your goals to be unattainable? Why or why not?
• Can you identify situations where something seemed unattainable, but you or someone else eventually achieved it? What changed?
• How can you work towards making what seems unattainable more achievable?