The spelling of the word "unattainable" can be confusing. It is pronounced as /ʌnəˈteɪnəbəl/ with syllables divided as un-a-tain-a-ble. The letter "u" here represents the schwa sound which does not have a fixed pronunciation. The letter combination "ai" is pronounced as /eɪ/ and the double letter "n" represents the nasal sound /n/. The suffix "-able" is pronounced as /əbəl/ with the unstressed syllable having the schwa sound. In short, "unattainable" can be spelt as UN-A-TAIN-A-BLE and pronounced as /ʌnəˈteɪnəbəl/.
Unattainable is an adjective that describes something that cannot be achieved, reached, obtained, or accomplished. It refers to a state or quality of being impossible to obtain or attain due to various reasons such as physical, mental, or social limitations.
When referring to physical aspects, unattainable implies that something cannot be obtained or reached physically, often due to its extreme distance, height, or inaccessibility. For instance, a remote mountaintop may be unattainable because it is too far away or impossible to reach due to its rugged terrain.
In a mental or psychological context, unattainable refers to something that is beyond one's mental capabilities or comprehension. It denotes an idea, concept, or knowledge that is excessively complex, intricate, or beyond the reach of a person's understanding.
Socially, unattainable signifies something that is not achievable due to societal or cultural restrictions, norms, or expectations. This could refer to an unrealistic standard of beauty, an unobtainable level of success or fame, or any other goal or aspiration that is hindered by societal limitations.
Overall, unattainable is a term used to describe something that is beyond one's reach or capability, whether it be due to physical, mental, or societal boundaries. It signifies something that is impossible to achieve or obtain, emphasizing the difficulties or limitations that prevent its realization.
Not to be obtained; being out of reach.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The etymology of the word "unattainable" can be broken down as follows:
1. "Un-": A prefix meaning "not" or "opposite of". It is derived from the Old English "un-" and has been preserved in this form in modern English.
2. "Attain": A verb originating from Latin "attanere", which means "to touch" or "to reach". Over time, the meaning of "attain" evolved to refer to achieving or acquiring something.
3. "-able": A suffix in English that forms adjectives denoting the capacity or ability to do something. It is derived from the Old French "able" and Latin "-abilis".
Combining these elements, "unattainable" signifies something that cannot be achieved, reached, or acquired.