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# unattainable

adjective (unattainable)

«unattainable» in the English dictionary: everyday and in Jewish tradition — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. Impossible to reach, achieve or get. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/U/unattainable/#m1)
2. (of a person, informal) Seeming too far above you to be friends or go out with. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/U/unattainable/#m2)

### 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 →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/U/unattainable/#x1)
- The top shelf was unattainable without a ladder. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/U/unattainable/#x2)
- Some adverts show unattainable perfection. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/U/unattainable/#x3)
- For a beginner, a black belt can feel unattainable, but step by step it's possible. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/U/unattainable/#x4)
- With only two dice, a score of 13 is unattainable. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/U/unattainable/#x5)
- The mountain peak looked unattainable in the snow. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/U/unattainable/#x6)

### 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 →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/U/unattainable/#x1)

### 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.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «unattainable» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/U/unattainable/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«unattainable» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/unattainable.html) on Mova free.
- [Trees and pragmatics of «unattainable» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/U/unattainable/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«unattainable» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/judaism/w/unattainable.html) on Mova free.