The word "unattained" is spelled as /ˌʌnəˈteɪnd/. This word is derived from the root word "attain" meaning to achieve or gain something. The prefix 'un-' negates the root word, thus forming the opposite of the word 'attain'. The phonetic transcription of the word consists of five syllables. The first syllable is pronounced as /ʌn/ followed by a schwa sound in the second syllable. The third syllable has the long 'a' sound /teɪ/ while the fourth syllable is pronounced as /n/ and the fifth syllable has a short /d/ sound.
The word "unattained" is an adjective that signifies something that has not been achieved, reached, or obtained. It can be used to describe goals, desires, or ambitions that have not yet been accomplished or fulfilled.
When an individual's aspirations or aims remain unfulfilled, they can be said to be unattained. This could be due to various reasons, including lack of effort, insufficient resources, or unforeseen obstacles. The term implies a state of not having accomplished or acquired what one desires or seeks.
In a broader context, "unattained" can also relate to unrealized potentials or unmet expectations. It suggests that certain possibilities or anticipated outcomes have not been actualized. For example, a songwriter whose talent remains unrecognized and unappreciated may be described as having unattained fame or success.
The word conveys a sense of incompleteness or omission, highlighting the absence of something that was intended or desired. It implies that there is still work, effort, or time required to achieve the intended result. Regardless of the specific context, "unattained" describes a state of non-achievement, underscoring the unfulfilled nature of a particular objective or aspiration.
Not attained or reached.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word unattained is formed by adding the prefix un- to the word attained.
The prefix un- is derived from Old English un- or on-, which means not or opposite of. It was commonly used in forming words to indicate negation or lack of something.
The word attained comes from the Middle English term ataynen, which is a variation of atainen or attenen and is derived from the Old French word ataindre. Ataindre originated from the Vulgar Latin word attangere, which combines the prefix ad- (meaning to) with the verb tangere (meaning to touch).
Therefore, when un- is added to attained, it creates unattained, which means not achieved or not reached.