When something is unrealistic, it means it's like a dream that won't really happen.
It's not based on how things actually are.
For example, if you say you can fly like a bird, that's unrealistic because people can't fly.
It's an idea that isn't true or possible in real life.
When something is unrealistic, it means it's not real or not very possible.
Imagine you want to fly to the moon in a cardboard box. That's unrealistic because a cardboard box cannot fly to the moon.
It's like a dream that probably won't come true.
So, unrealistic things are ideas or plans that are not based on what can really happen.
When something is described as unrealistic, it means it isn't based on facts or what can actually happen. It often refers to ideas, expectations, or plans that are too ambitious or imaginative to be practical in the real world.
For example, if you have an unrealistic goal, it's something that is very unlikely to be achieved because it ignores the difficulties or limitations involved. It suggests a disconnect from reality, often implying that something is impossible or highly improbable.
§ What Does 'Unrealistic' Mean?
- DEFINITION
- The adjective "unrealistic" describes something that is not based on facts, reality, or practical considerations. It implies that a goal, expectation, or idea is unlikely to happen or be achieved because it's too optimistic, impractical, or simply impossible.
When you say something is "unrealistic," you're essentially pointing out a disconnect between an idea or plan and the actual circumstances of the world. It suggests that the thing in question doesn't account for practical limitations, obstacles, or the way things genuinely work.
Winning the lottery is an unrealistic way to plan for retirement.
In this example, relying on a lottery win for retirement is considered unrealistic because the odds of winning are extremely low, making it an impractical and unlikely strategy.
§ When Do People Use 'Unrealistic'?
People use "unrealistic" in a variety of contexts to express doubt, caution, or criticism regarding expectations, goals, plans, or even a person's understanding of a situation. Here are some common scenarios:
- Regarding Expectations: This is one of the most frequent uses. If someone expects perfection every time, or believes they can achieve a complex task in a very short timeframe without the necessary skills, their expectations might be described as unrealistic.
It's unrealistic to expect to learn a new language fluently in just one month without any prior experience.
- Regarding Goals and Dreams: While it's good to aim high, sometimes goals are set that are simply not achievable given the resources, time, or current circumstances.
His dream of becoming a professional athlete at 40 without any training was a bit unrealistic.
- Regarding Plans and Strategies: Business plans, project timelines, or political promises can be labeled as unrealistic if they don't take into account potential challenges, budget constraints, or market realities.
The company's plan to double profits in a single quarter with no new products seems unrealistic.
- Regarding Someone's Perception or Understanding: Sometimes, a person's view of a situation or their own abilities can be described as unrealistic if it doesn't align with reality.
She had an unrealistic idea of how easy it would be to start her own business.
- In Literature and Art: Characters, plotlines, or artistic representations can be described as unrealistic if they deviate too far from what is believable or true to life, often to make a point or create a fantasy.
The happy ending felt a bit unrealistic given all the challenges the characters faced.
Using "unrealistic" often serves as a gentle warning or a critical assessment. It's not always meant to be negative; sometimes it's simply a way to encourage a more grounded and practical approach. The word encourages people to reconsider their ideas in light of actual possibilities and limitations. It's about discerning between what's possible and what's merely wishful thinking.
§ Understanding the word 'unrealistic'
§ Definition
- DEFINITION
- Not realistic; not likely to happen or be achieved. It describes something that is not based on facts or reality, often to the point of being impossible or impractical.
§ Examples of 'unrealistic' in sentences
His expectations for getting a promotion after only two months were completely unrealistic.
The budget for the project was so low that many considered it unrealistic.
It's unrealistic to think that problems will just disappear on their own.
She had an unrealistic idea of how easy it would be to start her own business.
The company's targets for quarterly growth were described as unrealistic by financial analysts.
§ Where you actually hear this word — work, school, news
Work: In a professional environment, 'unrealistic' often comes up when discussing project timelines, budgets, or performance expectations. Managers might tell employees that their proposed deadlines are unrealistic, or employees might voice concerns about unrealistic workloads. For instance, a project manager might say, "We need to set more realistic goals for this quarter; these are just unrealistic given our resources." School: Students and teachers alike use this word. A teacher might explain that a student's expectation of finishing a large research paper in one night is unrealistic. Conversely, students might feel that the amount of homework assigned is unrealistic. "You have to be realistic about how much you can study before the exam," a professor might advise. News: News reports often use 'unrealistic' when analyzing economic forecasts, political promises, or social policies. For example, a journalist might report, "Economists warn that the government's growth projections are unrealistic given current market conditions." Or, they might discuss how a politician's campaign promises might be viewed as unrealistic by the public.
§ Synonyms and Antonyms
- SYNONYMS
- impractical, unachievable, imaginary, idealistic, fanciful, wishful, far-fetched, unattainable, quixotic
- ANTONYMS
- realistic, practical, achievable, feasible, sensible, rational, pragmatic, attainable
§ A helpful tip for using 'unrealistic'
§ Common phrases with 'unrealistic'
Unrealistic expectations: This is perhaps the most common phrase. It refers to hopes or beliefs about how things will happen that are not grounded in reality. Set unrealistic goals: To aim for something that is very difficult or impossible to achieve. Unrealistic demands: Requests that are impossible or unreasonable to fulfill. Have an unrealistic view: To have a perspective on something that ignores the truth or facts.
§ Practice using 'unrealistic'
§ Understanding 'Unrealistic'
The word 'unrealistic' is an adjective used to describe something that is not based on facts or reality. It often implies that something is unlikely to happen or be achieved because it's too idealistic, impractical, or simply impossible given the circumstances. It's a common term in everyday language and is particularly useful when discussing plans, expectations, or goals.
- DEFINITION
- Not realistic; not likely to happen or be achieved. It describes something that is not based on facts or reality, often to the point of being impossible or impractical.
His expectation of finishing the entire project in one day was unrealistic.
§ Similar Words and Nuances
While 'unrealistic' clearly conveys a lack of reality or practicality, several other words share similar meanings but with different nuances. Understanding these distinctions will help you choose the most precise word for your context.
- Impractical: This word is very close in meaning to 'unrealistic,' often describing something that is not sensible or workable. While 'unrealistic' focuses on the lack of basis in reality, 'impractical' emphasizes the difficulty or impossibility of putting something into practice.
The plan to build a bridge without proper foundations was completely impractical.
- Idealistic: This term describes someone or something characterized by idealism; that is, the belief in or pursuit of perfection or high principles. An 'idealistic' goal might be 'unrealistic' because it doesn't account for real-world limitations, but it isn't necessarily impossible, just very difficult to achieve.
Her idealistic vision of a world without conflict is commendable but perhaps unrealistic.
- Impossible: This is a stronger word than 'unrealistic.' If something is 'impossible,' it literally cannot happen. An 'unrealistic' goal might theoretically be achievable with immense effort or luck, but an 'impossible' one is beyond all current means.
It's impossible to travel faster than the speed of light.
- Utopian: Similar to 'idealistic,' 'utopian' describes an imagined place or state of things in which everything is perfect. It often carries a connotation of being excessively idealistic and completely unachievable in the real world.
Building a society with no laws and perfect harmony is a utopian and ultimately unrealistic dream.
- Fantasy: This term refers to something that is imagined or dreamt up, often with no basis in reality. While an 'unrealistic' plan might be based on some facts but with flawed execution, a 'fantasy' is purely a product of imagination.
His idea of becoming a millionaire overnight was pure fantasy and totally unrealistic.
§ When to Use 'Unrealistic'
You should use 'unrealistic' when describing expectations, goals, or plans that are not grounded in current facts, resources, or capabilities. It's particularly effective when you want to highlight that something is improbable or impractical due to a lack of understanding of reality or an overestimation of possibilities.
For example, if a student expects to learn a new language fluently in a week, that expectation is 'unrealistic.' If a company sets a target to double its profits in a month without any new strategies or market changes, that goal is 'unrealistic.'
- DEFINITION
- Not realistic; not likely to happen or be achieved. It describes something that is not based on facts or reality, often to the point of being impossible or impractical.
It's unrealistic to expect perfection on your first attempt.
How Formal Is It?
"The proposed solution, while innovative, is unfortunately impractical given the current resource constraints."
"It's unrealistic to expect perfect results on the first attempt."
"His plans for early retirement are a bit pie-in-the-sky if you ask me."
"That idea is a bit silly, like trying to teach a cat to fly!"
"That whole scheme sounds totally whacked; it's never gonna work."
Examples by Level
Her dreams are a bit unrealistic.
Sus sueños son un poco poco realistas.
Simple present tense. 'A bit' means 'un poco'.
That plan is unrealistic, it won't work.
Ese plan no es realista, no funcionará.
Simple present tense. 'Won't work' is a contraction of 'will not work'.
It's unrealistic to think we can finish today.
Es poco realista pensar que podemos terminar hoy.
Impersonal 'It's' (It is). 'To think' is an infinitive verb.
He has unrealistic expectations for his new job.
Él tiene expectativas poco realistas para su nuevo trabajo.
Simple present tense. 'Unrealistic' describes 'expectations'.
The price of the house is unrealistic.
El precio de la casa no es realista.
Simple present tense. 'Of' indicates possession.
Don't be unrealistic; that's too expensive.
No seas poco realista; eso es demasiado caro.
Imperative form ('Don't be'). 'Too expensive' means 'demasiado caro'.
She set an unrealistic goal for herself.
Ella se fijó una meta poco realista para sí misma.
Simple past tense. 'Set' is an irregular verb.
Their hopes were unrealistic, and they failed.
Sus esperanzas eran poco realistas, y fracasaron.
Simple past tense. 'Were' is the past tense of 'are'.
Her expectations for getting rich overnight were completely unrealistic.
She thought she would get rich very quickly, but it was not possible.
Here, 'unrealistic' describes 'expectations'.
It's unrealistic to think you can learn a new language in just one week.
It's not real to believe you can learn a new language in only seven days.
Used with the infinitive 'to think'.
The deadline for the project is a bit unrealistic; we need more time.
The time limit for the project is not very practical; we require more days.
'Unrealistic' modifies 'deadline'.
He has an unrealistic idea of how much work goes into building a house.
He doesn't have a real idea of the effort needed to build a home.
Used with 'an unrealistic idea'.
Setting unrealistic goals can lead to disappointment.
Making goals that are not possible can make you feel sad.
'Unrealistic' describes 'goals'.
The government's promise to cut taxes dramatically seemed unrealistic to many people.
Many people thought the government's promise to lower taxes a lot was not possible.
'Unrealistic' describes the 'promise'.
It would be unrealistic to expect perfect weather every day of your holiday.
It would not be real to think the weather will be perfect every day of your vacation.
Used with the infinitive 'to expect'.
Her dream of becoming a pop star without any training was quite unrealistic.
Her wish to be a pop star without learning anything was not very real.
'Unrealistic' modifies 'dream'.
Her expectations for a perfect first date were a bit unrealistic, leading to disappointment.
Her expectations... a bit unrealistic...
The adjective 'unrealistic' modifies the noun 'expectations'.
It's unrealistic to think you can learn a new language fluently in just one month without dedicated practice.
It's unrealistic to think...
Here, 'unrealistic' describes the entire idea or thought.
The company's goals for doubling profits in a single quarter seemed unrealistic to many employees.
The company's goals... seemed unrealistic...
'Unrealistic' describes the 'goals'.
While his dreams were ambitious, some people found them to be quite unrealistic given his current resources.
His dreams... quite unrealistic...
The adjective 'unrealistic' is used with 'quite' to emphasize its degree.
Don't set unrealistic deadlines for yourself, as it can lead to stress and lower quality work.
Don't set unrealistic deadlines...
'Unrealistic' modifies 'deadlines'.
The idea of flying to the moon in a homemade rocket is completely unrealistic.
The idea... completely unrealistic.
The adverb 'completely' intensifies 'unrealistic'.
He had an unrealistic view of how easy it would be to start his own successful business.
He had an unrealistic view...
'Unrealistic' describes the 'view'.
Trying to achieve perfection in every task is an unrealistic expectation for anyone.
Trying to achieve perfection... an unrealistic expectation...
'Unrealistic' modifies 'expectation'.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
it's unrealistic to expect
thật không thực tế khi mong đợi
highly unrealistic
rất không thực tế
completely unrealistic
hoàn toàn không thực tế
sounds unrealistic
nghe có vẻ không thực tế
becomes unrealistic
trở nên không thực tế
not entirely unrealistic
không hoàn toàn không thực tế
bordering on unrealistic
gần như không thực tế
too unrealistic
quá không thực tế
quite unrealistic
khá không thực tế
a bit unrealistic
hơi không thực tế
How to Use It
When something is unrealistic, it means it's not based on facts or reality. It often suggests that something is impossible or impractical. You can use it to describe plans, expectations, or even dreams that are simply not achievable. For example, 'His expectations were unrealistic considering his limited experience.' Or, 'It's unrealistic to think we can finish this project in one day.'
A common mistake is confusing 'unrealistic' with 'pessimistic.' While a pessimistic person might have low expectations, those expectations could still be realistic. Unrealistic specifically refers to a lack of connection to reality. Another mistake is using 'unrealistic' when 'idealistic' might be more appropriate. Someone idealistic has high hopes or principles, which aren't necessarily impossible, just perhaps difficult to achieve.
Tips
Contextual Learning
Always learn new words in context. Instead of just memorizing 'unrealistic,' try to remember sentences where it's used, such as 'Her expectations were unrealistic given the circumstances.'
Antonyms and Synonyms
Understanding opposites and similar words can deepen your grasp. For 'unrealistic,' think of antonyms like 'realistic' or 'practical,' and synonyms like 'impractical' or 'overly optimistic'.
Personal Examples
Create your own sentences using 'unrealistic' that relate to your life or experiences. For instance, 'It would be unrealistic to expect to master English in a month.'
Use a Dictionary
Don't just read the definition. Look at the example sentences provided in a good dictionary. They often illustrate nuances of meaning that a simple definition can't convey.
Spaced Repetition
Review 'unrealistic' at increasing intervals. This helps move the word from your short-term to long-term memory. Apps like Anki can be very useful for this.
Word Families
Explore related words. 'Unrealistic' comes from 'real,' 'realistic,' and has a noun form 'unrealism.' Understanding these connections builds vocabulary efficiently.
Pronunciation Practice
Practice saying 'unrealistic' out loud. Pay attention to stress and intonation. This helps with both recognition and active use.
Common Misconceptions
Be careful not to confuse 'unrealistic' with simply 'bad' or 'undesirable.' It specifically refers to something not grounded in reality or unlikely to happen.
Figurative Use
Sometimes 'unrealistic' can be used hyperbolically to emphasize the extreme nature of something, e.g., 'His dreams were so unrealistic, they were almost poetic.'
Active Recall
Instead of just rereading the definition, try to recall the meaning of 'unrealistic' without looking. Then, check your understanding. This is more effective than passive review.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine an 'UN-REAL' castle made of 'STICK's. It's so fantastical, it's 'UNREALISTIC'.
Visual Association
Picture a tightrope walker trying to balance on a single strand of spaghetti over a giant canyon. It's an unrealistic feat.
Word Web
Challenge
Think of a goal you once had that now seems unrealistic. Describe why it was unrealistic using the word in your explanation.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Many young people have <b>unrealistic</b> expectations about becoming famous overnight.
- unrealistic expectations
- overnight success
- dreaming big
The company's new project has an <b>unrealistic</b> deadline, making it difficult for the team to complete on time.
- unrealistic deadline
- tight schedule
- under pressure
It's <b>unrealistic</b> to think you can learn a new language fluently in just one month without dedicated practice.
- unrealistic to think
- setting goals
- language learning journey
Some video games present an <b>unrealistic</b> portrayal of violence, which can desensitize players.
- unrealistic portrayal
- media influence
- virtual vs. real
Her parents had <b>unrealistic</b> hopes for her to become a doctor, even though she wanted to pursue art.
- unrealistic hopes
- parental expectations
- following your passion
Conversation Starters
"When have you encountered unrealistic expectations, either your own or someone else's?"
"What do you think makes a goal realistic or unrealistic?"
"How can someone adjust their expectations if they realize they are unrealistic?"
"Can you think of a time when something you thought was unrealistic actually happened?"
"Do you think society often promotes unrealistic ideals, and if so, in what ways?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time when you set an unrealistic goal for yourself. What was the outcome, and what did you learn?
Reflect on the difference between being ambitious and being unrealistic. Where do you draw the line?
Write about a public figure or a fictional character who has been described as having unrealistic dreams. Do you agree or disagree with that assessment?
Consider how media (movies, social media, etc.) might contribute to unrealistic expectations in people's lives. Provide specific examples.
What steps can you take in your own life to ensure your goals and expectations are grounded in reality?
Test Yourself 48 questions
Listen to the animal and its feeling.
Listen to the color and the toy.
Listen to what I like to eat.
Read this aloud:
Hello, how are you?
Focus: Hello
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
My name is Tom.
Focus: My name
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
I am happy.
Focus: happy
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Write a short sentence about something that is not real or cannot happen.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
A talking cat is unrealistic.
Complete the sentence: 'It is ______ to fly without wings.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
It is unrealistic to fly without wings.
Write a sentence using the word 'unrealistic'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
My dream of living on the moon is unrealistic.
What does 'unrealistic' mean in this story?
Read this passage:
Tom wants to eat pizza every day. His mom says, 'Tom, that is unrealistic. You need to eat fruits and vegetables too.'
What does 'unrealistic' mean in this story?
Tom cannot eat only pizza because it is not healthy or possible to do every day.
Tom cannot eat only pizza because it is not healthy or possible to do every day.
What does the friend mean?
Read this passage:
A boy wants to jump over a very tall house. His friend says, 'That is an unrealistic goal.'
What does the friend mean?
Jumping over a very tall house is not possible, so it is an unrealistic goal.
Jumping over a very tall house is not possible, so it is an unrealistic goal.
What is unrealistic in this passage?
Read this passage:
My dog thinks he can talk like a person. But this is unrealistic. Dogs cannot talk.
What is unrealistic in this passage?
It is not real for a dog to talk like a person.
It is not real for a dog to talk like a person.
Which of these is an unrealistic goal?
Becoming a doctor takes many years of study, so it's not realistic to do it in one year.
If someone says 'It's unrealistic to think we can finish all this work in an hour,' what do they mean?
Unrealistic means not likely to happen or be achieved, often because it's impossible or impractical.
Which sentence uses 'unrealistic' correctly?
Babies learn to speak over time, so expecting perfect speech after one month is not based on reality.
It is unrealistic to think that a bird can fly.
Birds can fly, so it is not unrealistic to think that.
If you have an unrealistic dream, it means your dream is easy to achieve.
An unrealistic dream means it's not likely to happen or be achieved easily.
It's often unrealistic to try to do everything by yourself when you have a big project.
For a big project, it's often more realistic and practical to get help from others.
What was unrealistic?
What is difficult to do in one day?
What kind of ideas does he have?
Read this aloud:
It's unrealistic to expect perfection from everyone.
Focus: unrealistic
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Don't be unrealistic; that plan won't work.
Focus: unrealistic
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
His goal of becoming a millionaire overnight is unrealistic.
Focus: unrealistic
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Describe a time when you or someone you know had an unrealistic expectation about something. What was the outcome?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
My friend had the unrealistic expectation that she could learn a new language fluently in just one month without practicing every day. The result was that she became very frustrated and didn't make much progress. She learned that learning a language takes a lot of time and consistent effort.
Imagine you are giving advice to a friend who has a very unrealistic plan for their future. What would you say to them, and why do you think their plan is unrealistic?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
If my friend had an unrealistic plan, like wanting to become a famous singer overnight without any singing lessons, I would tell them that it's important to have big dreams, but also to be realistic. I'd explain that becoming famous usually takes years of hard work and practice, and it's not a quick process. I'd suggest they start by taking lessons and performing for smaller audiences first.
Write a short paragraph about a fictional character who has an unrealistic goal. What is their goal, and what challenges do they face because of it?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
There once was a young wizard named Leo who had the unrealistic goal of flying to the moon on a broomstick without any magical help. He spent weeks trying to make his broom go higher, but it would always fall back to the ground. His main challenge was that the moon is too far away for a simple broom, and he didn't understand the real limits of his magic. He learned that some goals are simply not possible.
What was Maria's unrealistic dream?
Read this passage:
Maria had an unrealistic dream of becoming a famous chef without ever cooking. She thought she could just watch TV cooking shows and suddenly be an expert. Her family tried to tell her that it takes years of practice and hard work to become a chef, but she didn't listen. Eventually, she tried to cook a complex meal for a party, and it was a disaster.
What was Maria's unrealistic dream?
The passage clearly states that Maria had an unrealistic dream of becoming a famous chef without ever cooking.
The passage clearly states that Maria had an unrealistic dream of becoming a famous chef without ever cooking.
Why was Tom's goal of buying a car in one month unrealistic?
Read this passage:
Tom wanted to save enough money to buy a new car in one month, but he only had a small part-time job. His friends told him it was an unrealistic goal, as cars are expensive and he didn't earn much. Tom didn't believe them and ended up very disappointed when he realized he only had enough money for a bicycle. He learned that he needed to be more realistic about his finances.
Why was Tom's goal of buying a car in one month unrealistic?
The passage explains that his goal was unrealistic because he had a small part-time job and cars are expensive, meaning he couldn't earn enough in one month.
The passage explains that his goal was unrealistic because he had a small part-time job and cars are expensive, meaning he couldn't earn enough in one month.
What did Sarah realize about her idea after she started working on the project?
Read this passage:
Sarah had an unrealistic idea that she could finish her big school project in just one hour, even though it usually took several days. She started working on it, but quickly realized it was much more complicated than she thought. By the end of the hour, she had barely started. She understood that she needed to plan her time better and be more realistic about how long tasks take.
What did Sarah realize about her idea after she started working on the project?
The passage states that she 'quickly realized it was much more complicated than she thought' after she started working.
The passage states that she 'quickly realized it was much more complicated than she thought' after she started working.
Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies an 'unrealistic' expectation?
Expecting to pass an exam without studying is unrealistic because it's not based on the reality of what's required to achieve success in academics.
If someone describes a plan as 'unrealistic,' what are they most likely implying?
To call a plan 'unrealistic' means it lacks practicality, feasibility, or a basis in reality, making its success unlikely.
Which word is the closest synonym for 'unrealistic' in the context of describing goals?
When describing goals, 'impractical' is the closest synonym to 'unrealistic' as both suggest something that is not feasible or sensible to pursue.
It is unrealistic to expect a complete beginner to play a complex musical piece perfectly after only one lesson.
Learning a complex musical piece takes time and practice, so expecting perfection after just one lesson is not based on reality.
Setting a goal to read 100 books in a single day is a realistic ambition for most people.
Reading 100 books in a single day is physically impossible for most people, making it an unrealistic ambition.
Having unrealistic expectations can often lead to disappointment when those expectations are not met.
When expectations are not grounded in reality, the likelihood of them being met decreases, often leading to disappointment.
The company's projections for exponential growth were widely considered to be ___ given the current market conditions.
The context implies that the growth projections were not based on reality or practicality, making 'unrealistic' the most fitting adjective.
Achieving such an ambitious goal within a month is simply ___; we need to set more attainable targets.
The sentence suggests that the goal is not achievable in the given timeframe, aligning with the meaning of 'unrealistic'.
It's ___ to expect perfection from a first draft; revisions are an integral part of the writing process.
Expecting perfection at the initial stage is not practical or based on reality, so 'unrealistic' fits best.
His vision for a completely self-sustaining city, while noble, was ultimately deemed ___ by urban planners due to logistical complexities.
The urban planners considered the vision not feasible or practical due to complexities, hence 'unrealistic' is the correct choice.
The public's expectations for an immediate economic recovery were ___ considering the depth of the recession.
The public's expectations were not grounded in reality given the severity of the recession, making 'unrealistic' the appropriate word.
She had an ___ belief that hard work alone would guarantee success, neglecting the role of opportunity and timing.
Her belief was not fully based on the comprehensive reality of success factors, so 'unrealistic' is the most suitable adjective.
The CEO's projections for quadrupling profits within the quarter were widely dismissed as __________, given the current market downturn.
The context of a 'market downturn' indicates that quadrupling profits would be highly improbable, making 'unrealistic' the most fitting descriptor.
Despite the team's groundbreaking research, securing funding for their highly ambitious, almost __________ project proved to be an insurmountable challenge.
The phrase 'highly ambitious, almost' preceding the blank suggests a need for a word that describes something not easily achievable, and 'unrealistic' fits this perfectly when referring to a project that is hard to fund due to its perceived impossibility.
Her expectations for instant success in a highly competitive industry were deemed __________ by seasoned professionals who understood the arduous path to establishment.
The phrase 'instant success' in a 'highly competitive industry' juxtaposed with the 'arduous path' suggests that her expectations were not grounded in reality, thus 'unrealistic' is the correct choice.
The architect's design, while aesthetically brilliant, was ultimately rejected for being __________ in terms of budget and construction capabilities.
The rejection of the design due to 'budget and construction capabilities' implies that the design was not feasible or practical, making 'unrealistic' the most appropriate word.
To assume that a single policy change will eradicate systemic inequality is a rather __________ notion, failing to account for multifarious underlying factors.
The idea that a 'single policy change' can 'eradicate systemic inequality' without considering 'multifarious underlying factors' indicates a lack of realism, making 'unrealistic' the best fit.
The novice investor held __________ hopes of becoming a millionaire overnight, oblivious to the inherent risks and volatilities of the stock market.
A 'novice investor' hoping to become a 'millionaire overnight' while being 'oblivious to the inherent risks' clearly demonstrates expectations not based on reality, so 'unrealistic' is the correct answer.
/ 48 correct
Perfect score!
Contextual Learning
Always learn new words in context. Instead of just memorizing 'unrealistic,' try to remember sentences where it's used, such as 'Her expectations were unrealistic given the circumstances.'
Antonyms and Synonyms
Understanding opposites and similar words can deepen your grasp. For 'unrealistic,' think of antonyms like 'realistic' or 'practical,' and synonyms like 'impractical' or 'overly optimistic'.
Personal Examples
Create your own sentences using 'unrealistic' that relate to your life or experiences. For instance, 'It would be unrealistic to expect to master English in a month.'
Use a Dictionary
Don't just read the definition. Look at the example sentences provided in a good dictionary. They often illustrate nuances of meaning that a simple definition can't convey.
