Unattainables
Part of speech: adjective, noun
Definitions
- Describing goals or ideals that cannot be reached or accomplished through any effort or means
- indicating aspirations that are beyond reach, creating a sense of frustration or longing
- referring to states or conditions that are impossible to realize or achieve, often evoking a notion of desiring the unattainable
Etymology: The root of this word lies in the prefix "un-" combined with the adjective "attainable," which itself derives from the verb "attain." The verb "attain" entered English around the late 14th century, coming from Old French "ateindre," which in turn traces back to Latin "attingere," meaning "to touch upon" or "reach." Over time, "attain" came to signify achieving or reaching a goal, often something difficult or requiring effort. The adjective "attainable" emerged by adding the suffix "-able," a Latin-derived English suffix used to form adjectives indicating capability or possibility. Thus, "attainable" means something capable of being achieved or reached. The prefix "un-" is a common English negation, dating back to Old English, used to reverse the meaning of an adjective or verb. When combined, the term describes something that cannot be achieved or reached. The plural form, as a noun, refers to those very things or goals that lie beyond reach. This transformation from adjective to noun by pluralization is typical in English, allowing abstract qualities to be discussed as tangible entities. Though the components are straightforward, the word encapsulates a powerful concept: the tension between desire and impossibility. It might be employed in contexts ranging from philosophical discussions about human aspirations to literary depictions of unreachable ideals. The word itself likely came into regular use as such abstract notions gained prominence in English prose and poetry from the Early Modern period onward.
Synonyms: impossible, unreachable, inaccessible, unachievable, unobtainable
Antonyms: attainable, achievable, reachable, accessible