unattainable
Meaning
impossible to achieve or reach.
Structure
Usage
for many, absolute perfection remains an unattainable ideal.
the summit seemed unattainable after the storm damaged their equipment.
she set realistic goals instead of chasing unattainable dreams.
Etymology
The word "unattainable" is a Modern English formation built upon the older verb "attain." The core of "attain" comes from the Latin verb attinēre, meaning "to hold to, reach," which itself is a compound of ad- ("to") and tenēre ("to hold"). This etymological sense of "holding onto" something evolved into the abstract meaning of "achieving" a goal or state. The suffix -able, indicating capability, was added to form the adjective "attainable." Finally, the Germanic negative prefix un- was prefixed to create the current meaning, logically constructing the concept of something not capable of being reached or achieved.
Analysis
un: a prefix of germanic origin (old english) meaning "not," used to form negatives. attain: a verb of latin origin (attinēre, from ad- "to" + tenēre "to hold") meaning "to reach, achieve." able: a suffix of latin origin (-ābilis) via old french, meaning "capable of, fit for."