unattainable

Everyday

1. Impossible to reach, achieve or get. tree →
2. (of a person, informal) Seeming too far above you to be friends or go out with. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and school: an unattainable goal, unattainable standards. In PSHE: pictures online can show unattainable bodies or lifestyles, often edited. In maths: an unattainable score is one that can't happen with the rules (e.g. 11 out of 10). Phrases: «an unattainable goal», «seemingly unattainable», «unattainable standards».

Examples

• Getting every single question right seemed an unattainable goal. tree →
• The top shelf was unattainable without a ladder. tree →
• Some adverts show unattainable perfection. tree →
• For a beginner, a black belt can feel unattainable, but step by step it's possible. tree →
• With only two dice, a score of 13 is unattainable. tree →
• The mountain peak looked unattainable in the snow. tree →

Note

Built from un- + attain (reach) + -able. Opposite: «attainable», «achievable». In maths, check what is possible: two ordinary dice give scores 2 to 12, so 1 and 13 are unattainable.

In Jewish tradition

Proverbs says wisdom is out of reach for a fool, because he does not listen or learn.

Interpretation. Tradition teaches that wisdom begins with the fear of God and willingness to learn. The fool who will not learn cannot gain it.

Examples

• Wisdom is as unattainable to a fool as corals; he openeth not his mouth in the gate. (Writings PRO.24.7, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Built from un- + attain (reach) + -able. Opposite: «attainable», «achievable». In maths, check what is possible: two ordinary dice give scores 2 to 12, so 1 and 13 are unattainable.