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inatingível

B2 adjective 9 min read

inatingível

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips inatingível in 30 Seconds

Explanation inatingível in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word 'inatingível' often, as it is quite advanced. However, you can think of it as a very strong way to say 'no'. Imagine you want a toy on a very high shelf, and you are small. You cannot touch it. In Portuguese, we say it is 'inatingível'. It is like saying 'I cannot reach it'. At this level, focus on the idea of 'not possible to touch' or 'too far'. You might see it in simple stories about the moon or the stars, because they are very far away and we cannot touch them. Just remember: 'inatingível' means 'too far to reach'.

At the A2 level, you can start to see 'inatingível' as an extension of 'distante' (distant) or 'difícil' (difficult). You might use it when talking about simple goals that feel very hard. For example, if you are learning to run and you want to run 100 kilometers, that might feel 'inatingível' right now. It is an adjective, so it describes a noun. If the noun is plural, like 'objetivos' (goals), you add '-eis' to the end: 'objetivos inatingíveis'. It is a good word to know for reading simple news titles or advertisements that talk about 'inatingível' prices (prices that are too high to pay).

At the B1 level, you should understand that 'inatingível' is more formal than 'impossível'. It is used frequently when discussing dreams, careers, and personal ambitions. You might use it in a conversation about your future: 'Eu achava que ser médico era um sonho inatingível, mas agora estou estudando muito.' (I thought being a doctor was an unattainable dream, but now I'm studying hard.) You should also be aware of its plural form 'inatingíveis' and its pronunciation, especially the stress on the 'í'. It’s a great word to use when you want to sound more precise about why something is difficult—it's not just hard, it's out of reach.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'inatingível' correctly in both speech and writing. You should understand its nuance compared to 'inalcançável' (more physical) and 'impossível' (more logical). B2 learners should use it to describe complex social issues, like 'padrões de beleza inatingíveis' (unattainable beauty standards) or 'metas econômicas inatingíveis' (unattainable economic goals). You should also be comfortable using it with verbs like 'tornar-se' (to become) or 'permanecer' (to remain). It is a key word for expressing skepticism or realistic boundaries in professional and academic settings. Your ability to use this word shows a command of higher-level Portuguese vocabulary.

At the C1 level, you should be able to use 'inatingível' with stylistic flair. You might use it in philosophical discussions about the nature of perfection or the limitations of human knowledge. You should understand its etymological roots and how it fits into the broader family of words like 'atingir', 'atingível', and 'atendimento'. You can use it to create contrast in your writing, perhaps discussing how a goal that once seemed 'inatingível' was eventually reached through collective effort. At this level, you should also recognize it in classical literature and formal legal or political documents, where it denotes a lack of feasibility or a standard that cannot be met by law.

At the C2 level, 'inatingível' is a tool for precision and rhetorical effect. You use it to navigate the finest nuances of impossibility, perhaps distinguishing between an 'ideal inatingível' and an 'hipótese inverossímil'. You are fully aware of its rhythmic properties in prose and poetry. You might use it in a high-level critique of a policy, arguing that its foundational premises make its objectives 'inerentemente inatingíveis' (inherently unattainable). You have a total grasp of its collocations and can use it to express deep irony or profound philosophical resignation. It is no longer just a vocabulary word; it is a conceptual tool in your linguistic arsenal.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

inatingível in 30 Seconds

Inatingível means unattainable or unreachable, used for goals, dreams, or physical locations that are beyond reach.
It is a formal adjective, more precise than 'impossível', often implying a high standard or great distance.
The plural form is 'inatingíveis', following the standard Portuguese rule for adjectives ending in '-el'.
Commonly used in professional, academic, and literary contexts to describe limits and high aspirations.

The Portuguese word inatingível is a sophisticated adjective that translates most directly to "unattainable," "unreachable," or "unachievable" in English. It is a word that carries a weight of distance, whether that distance is physical, emotional, or metaphorical. When a Portuguese speaker uses this term, they are often describing a goal that seems beyond their current capacity, a dream that feels like a distant star, or a standard of perfection that no human could reasonably meet. It is not merely a synonym for "difficult"; rather, it implies a boundary that cannot be crossed under the current circumstances. In everyday conversation, you might hear it used to describe a high price point that a consumer cannot afford, or in a more philosophical sense, to describe the search for absolute truth. The beauty of the word lies in its prefix in- (not) and the root atingir (to reach or attain), followed by the suffix -ível (indicating possibility). Together, they form a concept of "non-reach-ability."

Aspiration and Ambition: In professional and academic contexts, inatingível is frequently used to critique goals that are set too high. For instance, if a manager sets a sales quota that is three times the market average, employees might whisper that the goal is totalmente inatingível. This usage highlights a sense of frustration or realism regarding one's limitations.
Physical Distance: While often abstract, it can describe physical objects. A bird nesting on a sheer cliff face might be in a position that is inatingível for a predator. This literal sense of being out of reach is the foundation of the word's more complex meanings.
Emotional and Social Barriers: In literature and music (like Fado), the word often describes a love interest who is socially or emotionally distant. A person of a much higher social class or someone who is already committed might be described as an objetivo inatingível for a hopeful suitor.

Muitos jovens sentem que o sonho da casa própria tornou-se algo inatingível na economia atual.

Translation: Many young people feel that the dream of home ownership has become something unattainable in the current economy.

Furthermore, the word is often paired with adverbs like praticamente (practically) or virtualmente (virtually) to soften the blow or to emphasize just how close yet far something is. It is a staple of journalistic writing, especially when discussing economic metrics, climate change targets, or political peace treaties. When you use inatingível, you are communicating a deep understanding of boundaries and the often-harsh reality of limitations. It is a word of both lament and sober assessment.

Using inatingível correctly requires understanding its role as an adjective. It must agree in number with the noun it modifies. Since it ends in -el, the plural form is inatingíveis. It does not change based on gender, making it versatile for both masculine and feminine nouns. Whether you are talking about um sonho (a dream) or uma meta (a goal), the word remains inatingível in the singular.

Modifying Abstract Nouns: When describing concepts like perfection, happiness, or success.
"A perfeição é um ideal inatingível para os seres humanos." (Perfection is an unattainable ideal for human beings.)
Modifying Physical Objects: When describing something physically out of reach.
"As prateleiras mais altas são inatingíveis sem uma escada." (The highest shelves are unreachable without a ladder.)

Eles estabeleceram prazos que são claramente inatingíveis para a nossa equipe.

Translation: They established deadlines that are clearly unattainable for our team.

One common way to use the word is with the verb parecer (to seem) or tornar-se (to become). These verbs help describe the perception of a goal. If a situation changes and a previously easy task becomes hard, you would say it tornou-se inatingível. If you are looking at a mountain peak and doubting your ability to climb it, you would say it parece inatingível. This word is excellent for expressing nuance in difficulty.

In formal writing, such as essays or reports, inatingível is used to provide a definitive judgment on feasibility. It is more academic than saying muito difícil (very difficult). For example, in a scientific paper, one might write about a temperature that is inatingível em condições laboratoriais normais (unattainable in normal laboratory conditions). This precision is what makes the word so valuable for B2-level learners and beyond.

You will encounter inatingível in various spheres of Portuguese-speaking life, from the evening news to the lyrics of a melancholic song. It is a word of high frequency in intellectual discourse, but it also finds its way into daily life when people discuss their frustrations with the world around them. Understanding the context helps you grasp the subtle emotional weight the word carries.

In the News and Media: Journalists often use this word when reporting on climate targets or economic inflation. You might hear: "A meta de inflação deste ano parece inatingível para o Banco Central." This implies a serious challenge for the country's economy.
In Literature and Philosophy: Portuguese literature, famous for its saudade and existential depth, uses inatingível to describe the human condition. Think of Fernando Pessoa or Saramago; they often write about truths or states of being that remain forever inatingíveis to the human mind.
In Corporate Environments: In meetings, when discussing KPIs (Key Performance Indicators), a skeptical colleague might describe a project's timeline as inatingível. It’s a polite but firm way to say "this won't work."

Para muitos, a felicidade plena é um estado inatingível, uma busca constante sem fim.

Translation: For many, full happiness is an unattainable state, a constant search without end.

Social media also plays a role. Influencers are often criticized for promoting padrões de beleza inatingíveis (unattainable beauty standards). This specific phrase is very common in modern Brazilian and Portuguese discourse regarding mental health and body image. It highlights the gap between digital filters and reality.

Finally, in sports, a record that has stood for decades might be called inatingível until a new star emerges to break it. This usage adds a legendary or mythic quality to the achievement. Whether it's a goal in football or a time in a marathon, the word marks the boundary between the possible and the legendary.

Even for advanced learners, inatingível can present some pitfalls. Most mistakes are related to spelling, pluralization, or confusion with similar-sounding words. Because it is a longer word with several vowels, it requires careful attention.

Spelling Errors: Learners often forget the 'n' after the 'i' or misplace the accent. It is inatingível, not atingivel or inatingivel. The acute accent on the 'í' is mandatory because it is a paroxytone word ending in 'l'.
Pluralization Pitfalls: As mentioned before, the plural is inatingíveis. A common mistake is to say inatingívels or simply fail to pluralize it when the noun is plural.
"Sonhos inatingíveis" (Correct) vs. "Sonhos inatingível" (Incorrect).
Confusion with 'Inalcançável': While inalcançável is a very close synonym, inatingível is slightly more formal and often used for abstract goals, whereas inalcançável is more common for physical distances. However, using them interchangeably is usually fine, but sticking to inatingível in professional writing is safer.

Não diga "as metas são inatingível"; o correto é dizer "as metas são inatingíveis".

Another mistake is using the word to describe people directly in a way that sounds like they are physically untouchable, like a ghost. If you want to say someone is "out of your league" socially, inatingível works, but if you mean you can't find them or contact them, incontactável or inacessível might be more appropriate.

Lastly, don't confuse inatingível with intangível. While they look similar, intangível means "intangible" (something you cannot touch physically, like an idea or a brand's reputation), whereas inatingível means you cannot reach it or achieve it. You can have an intangible asset that is very much attainable!

To truly master Portuguese, you need to know which synonym fits which situation. Inatingível has several cousins that vary in intensity and register. Expanding your vocabulary with these alternatives will make your speech sound more natural and precise.

Inalcançável: This is the most common alternative. It comes from the verb alcançar (to reach/attain). Use this for physical distances, like a high shelf or a far-off destination.
"A ilha era inalcançável por barco."
Impossível: The most direct and blunt option. Use impossível when there is zero chance of success. Inatingível is often used when something is theoretically possible but practically out of reach.
Inacessível: This means "inaccessible." It's best used for places, people, or information that you cannot get to.
"O diretor é um homem inacessível." (The director is an inaccessible man.)
Inexequível: A highly formal, technical term used in law or project management. It means "unfeasible" or "cannot be executed." Use this in a contract or a formal business proposal.

Enquanto inatingível foca no resultado, inviável foca no processo que não pode ser realizado.

When comparing inatingível and utópico, the latter refers to something that is ideal but impossible because it relies on a perfect world that doesn't exist. Inatingível is more grounded in reality—it describes a goal that might be real but is just too far away for the person involved.

In summary, choose your words based on the "flavor" of the impossibility. Is it a physical barrier? Use inalcançável. Is it a logical error? Use impossível. Is it a high-level goal that feels out of grasp? Use inatingível. This level of discernment is what distinguishes a fluent speaker from a beginner.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root 'tangere' also gives us words like 'tangent' in math and 'tango' in dance (originally meaning 'to touch').

Pronunciation Guide

UK /in.a.tĩˈʒi.vɛl/

US /in.a.tĩˈʒi.vew/

The stress is on the penultimate syllable 'gí' (paroxítona).

Rhymes With

possível incrível horrível visível sensível terrível combustível flexível

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'g' as a hard 'g' (like in 'go'). It should be soft like 'j'.
Forgetting the nasal sounds in 'in' and 'tĩ'.
Stress on the last syllable instead of the 'gí'.
Confusing it with 'intangível'.
Missing the acute accent when writing.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 7/5

Common in news and books, but requires knowledge of the '-ível' suffix.

Writing 8/5

Spelling with the accent and pluralization can be tricky.

Speaking 7/5

Pronunciation of the nasal 'in' and soft 'g' needs practice.

Listening 6/5

Easily recognized once the root 'atingir' is known.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

atingir possível difícil meta sonho

Learn Next

inexequível inviável transcendental obstáculo limitação

Advanced

intangível impalpável incomensurável

Grammar to Know

Adjectives ending in -el

Inatingível becomes inatingíveis in the plural.

Nasalization of 'in-'

The 'in' in inatingível is nasal, like 'im-' in 'impossible'.

Soft 'g' before 'i' or 'e'

Inatingível (soft 'j' sound) vs. Gato (hard 'g' sound).

Paroxytone accentuation

Words ending in 'l' with stress on the penultimate syllable need an accent (í).

Prefix 'in-' for negation

Inatingível (not reachable), Infeliz (not happy), Incorreto (not correct).

Examples by Level

A lua é inatingível para nós.

The moon is unreachable for us.

Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.

O brinquedo está em um lugar inatingível.

The toy is in an unreachable place.

Adjective follows the noun 'lugar'.

Aquele topo da montanha parece inatingível.

That mountain top seems unreachable.

Use of 'parece' (seems) with adjective.

Para o bebê, a maçã é inatingível.

For the baby, the apple is unreachable.

Indirect object 'para o bebê'.

Este preço é inatingível para mim.

This price is unreachable (unaffordable) for me.

Metaphorical use for cost.

As estrelas são inatingíveis.

The stars are unreachable.

Plural form 'inatingíveis'.

O teto é inatingível sem escada.

The ceiling is unreachable without a ladder.

Prepositional phrase 'sem escada'.

A bola caiu em um ponto inatingível.

The ball fell in an unreachable spot.

Adjective modifying 'ponto'.

Ganhar a loteria parece um sonho inatingível.

Winning the lottery seems like an unattainable dream.

Noun phrase 'sonho inatingível'.

Eles querem metas que são inatingíveis.

They want goals that are unattainable.

Relative clause 'que são inatingíveis'.

A perfeição é inatingível, mas podemos tentar.

Perfection is unattainable, but we can try.

Abstract noun 'perfeição'.

O castelo ficava em uma rocha inatingível.

The castle was on an unreachable rock.

Feminine noun 'rocha' but adjective doesn't change gender.

Muitas vezes, a paz parece inatingível.

Often, peace seems unattainable.

Adverbial phrase 'muitas vezes'.

Estes resultados são inatingíveis em um dia.

These results are unattainable in one day.

Plural agreement 'resultados ... inatingíveis'.

Ela busca um ideal de beleza inatingível.

She seeks an unattainable ideal of beauty.

Compound noun 'ideal de beleza'.

Sem ajuda, o sucesso é inatingível.

Without help, success is unattainable.

Conditional sense with 'sem ajuda'.

A meta de vendas deste mês tornou-se inatingível.

This month's sales goal became unattainable.

Verb 'tornar-se' (to become).

Ele sempre persegue objetivos inatingíveis.

He is always chasing unattainable objectives.

Verb 'perseguir' (to chase/pursue).

A felicidade absoluta é considerada inatingível por alguns.

Absolute happiness is considered unattainable by some.

Passive voice 'é considerada'.

O topo da carreira parecia inatingível no início.

The top of the career seemed unattainable at the beginning.

Temporal phrase 'no início'.

Infelizmente, esse nível de precisão é inatingível aqui.

Unfortunately, that level of precision is unattainable here.

Adverb 'infelizmente'.

As exigências do cliente são simplesmente inatingíveis.

The client's demands are simply unattainable.

Adverb 'simplesmente' for emphasis.

Muitos consideram a imortalidade algo inatingível.

Many consider immortality something unattainable.

Pronoun 'algo' (something) used as a noun.

Para ele, a vitória era um prêmio inatingível.

For him, victory was an unattainable prize.

Noun phrase 'prêmio inatingível'.

A utopia descreve uma sociedade que é, por definição, inatingível.

Utopia describes a society that is, by definition, unattainable.

Parenthetical phrase 'por definição'.

O realismo nos ensina a não buscar metas inatingíveis.

Realism teaches us not to seek unattainable goals.

Infinitive 'buscar' after 'ensina a'.

Aquelas condições climáticas tornam o resgate inatingível.

Those weather conditions make the rescue unreachable.

Direct object 'o resgate' followed by adjective.

Sentia que o perdão dela era algo inatingível para ele.

He felt that her forgiveness was something unattainable for him.

Imperfect tense 'sentia' showing ongoing feeling.

A empresa propôs prazos que se revelaram inatingíveis.

The company proposed deadlines that proved to be unattainable.

Reflexive verb 'revelar-se' (to prove to be).

O conhecimento total do universo é um objetivo inatingível.

Total knowledge of the universe is an unattainable goal.

Subject is a complex noun phrase.

Ela mantém um padrão de vida que é inatingível para a maioria.

She maintains a standard of living that is unattainable for most.

Relative clause modifying 'padrão de vida'.

O acordo de paz parecia inatingível dadas as circunstâncias.

The peace agreement seemed unattainable given the circumstances.

Participle phrase 'dadas as circunstâncias'.

A busca pela verdade absoluta é uma jornada rumo ao inatingível.

The search for absolute truth is a journey toward the unattainable.

Substantivized adjective 'o inatingível'.

O autor explora a angústia de perseguir um ideal inatingível.

The author explores the anguish of pursuing an unattainable ideal.

Gerund phrase 'de perseguir'.

Tais promessas políticas são meras ilusões inatingíveis.

Such political promises are mere unattainable illusions.

Adjective 'meras' (mere) adding nuance.

A pureza da linguagem é um conceito frequentemente inatingível.

Purity of language is an often unattainable concept.

Adverb 'frequentemente' modifying the adjective.

Ele vive em um estado de melancolia por um amor inatingível.

He lives in a state of melancholy for an unattainable love.

Prepositional phrase 'por um amor inatingível'.

A simetria perfeita na natureza é, por vezes, inatingível.

Perfect symmetry in nature is, at times, unattainable.

Parenthetical 'por vezes'.

Os padrões estéticos impostos pela mídia são inatingíveis para o cidadão comum.

The aesthetic standards imposed by the media are unattainable for the average citizen.

Passive participle 'impostos' (imposed).

A justiça plena pode parecer um horizonte inatingível em tempos de crise.

Full justice may seem like an unattainable horizon in times of crisis.

Metaphorical use of 'horizonte'.

A obra de arte aspira a uma transcendência que muitos julgam inatingível.

The work of art aspires to a transcendence that many deem unattainable.

Verb 'julgar' (to deem/judge) with adjective complement.

A convergência total de interesses revelou-se um patamar inatingível na negociação.

The total convergence of interests proved to be an unattainable level in the negotiation.

Noun 'patamar' (level/threshold).

A objetividade pura é um desiderato inatingível nas ciências sociais.

Pure objectivity is an unattainable desideratum in the social sciences.

Academic term 'desiderato' (something desired).

O poema evoca a nostalgia de um paraíso inatingível e perdido.

The poem evokes the nostalgia of an unattainable and lost paradise.

Coordinated adjectives 'inatingível e perdido'.

Sua erudição tornava-o uma figura inatingível para seus contemporâneos.

His erudition made him an unattainable figure for his contemporaries.

Object complement 'uma figura inatingível'.

A estabilidade perpétua é um estado inatingível em sistemas dinâmicos.

Perpetual stability is an unattainable state in dynamic systems.

Scientific context.

A plenitude do ser é, para a fenomenologia, um cume inatingível.

The fullness of being is, for phenomenology, an unattainable summit.

Metaphorical 'cume' (summit).

A ressonância emocional do texto advém da sua busca pelo inatingível.

The emotional resonance of the text comes from its search for the unattainable.

Verb 'advir' (to come from/derive).

Synonyms

inalcançável impossível inacessível inexequível inviável utópico remoto distante

Antonyms

atingível alcançável possível viável

Common Collocations

meta inatingível

sonho inatingível

ideal inatingível

padrão inatingível

preço inatingível

objetivo inatingível

lugar inatingível

nível inatingível

ponto inatingível

horizonte inatingível

Common Phrases

Parecer inatingível

— To seem unreachable. Used when expressing doubt about a goal.

A vitória parece inatingível agora.

Tornar-se inatingível

— To become unreachable. Used when circumstances change for the worse.

Com a crise, a casa tornou-se inatingível.

Permanecer inatingível

— To remain unreachable. Used for long-term challenges.

O recorde permaneceu inatingível por anos.

Meta quase inatingível

— An almost unreachable goal. Adds a bit of hope or extreme difficulty.

É uma meta quase inatingível, mas vamos tentar.

Praticamente inatingível

— Practically unreachable. Emphasizes the near impossibility.

O topo é praticamente inatingível sem guia.

Absolutamente inatingível

— Absolutely unreachable. Total denial of possibility.

Esse padrão é absolutamente inatingível.

Sonhar com o inatingível

— To dream of the unreachable. Often used in a romantic or poetic sense.

Ele passa a vida a sonhar com o inatingível.

Busca pelo inatingível

— Search for the unreachable. Describes a constant effort toward an ideal.

A ciência é a busca pelo inatingível.

Considerar inatingível

— To consider unreachable. Expressing an opinion on feasibility.

Eu considero essa proposta inatingível.

Provar-se inatingível

— To prove to be unreachable. Used when a result confirms difficulty.

O objetivo provou-se inatingível após os testes.

Often Confused With

inatingível vs intangível

Means 'intangible' (cannot be physically touched), like a feeling or a brand name.

inatingível vs inalcançável

Very similar, but 'inalcançável' is more common for physical distances.

inatingível vs inviável

Means 'unfeasible' or 'not viable', usually referring to a plan or business idea.

Idioms & Expressions

"Alcançar o inatingível"

— To achieve something that was thought impossible. Used for great feats.

Eles conseguiram alcançar o inatingível com este projeto.

Inspirational

"Mirar no inatingível"

— To aim for the unreachable. Similar to 'reach for the stars'.

Sempre mire no inatingível para chegar mais longe.

Motivational

"Viver no inatingível"

— To live in an unreachable world (in one's head). Being unrealistic.

Ele vive no inatingível e esquece da realidade.

Colloquial

"O fruto inatingível é o mais doce"

— The unreachable fruit is the sweetest. Similar to 'forbidden fruit'.

Ela sempre quer o que não pode ter; o fruto inatingível é o mais doce.

Literary

"Tocar o inatingível"

— To touch the unreachable. To experience something sublime or rare.

Naquele momento de música, sentimos tocar o inatingível.

Poetic

"Preso no inatingível"

— Stuck in the unreachable. Unable to move forward because of impossible goals.

A empresa está presa no inatingível e não foca no agora.

Business

"Fugir para o inatingível"

— To flee to the unreachable. Using impossible dreams as escapism.

Ela foge para o inatingível quando a vida fica difícil.

Psychological

"Desafiar o inatingível"

— To challenge the unreachable. To try to do what no one else can.

O explorador decidiu desafiar o inatingível.

Heroic

"Cercado pelo inatingível"

— Surrounded by the unreachable. Feeling overwhelmed by impossible tasks.

Sinto-me cercado pelo inatingível neste novo emprego.

Emotional

"O brilho do inatingível"

— The shine of the unreachable. The attraction of things we cannot have.

O brilho do inatingível sempre o atraiu mais que a realidade.

Poetic

Easily Confused

inatingível vs intangível

Similar spelling and root.

Inatingível means you can't reach it; intangível means you can't touch it because it's not physical.

O amor é intangível, mas conquistar o coração dela parece inatingível.

inatingível vs inalcançável

Identical meaning in many contexts.

Inalcançável is slightly more common for physical objects; inatingível is more common for abstract goals.

A prateleira é inalcançável; o sonho é inatingível.

inatingível vs impossível

General synonym.

Impossível is absolute; inatingível suggests it exists but is out of reach.

É impossível 1+1=3; é inatingível ser perfeito.

inatingível vs invisível

Similar ending '-ível'.

Invisível means 'invisible'.

O ar é invisível; o topo da nuvem é inatingível.

inatingível vs invencível

Similar sound.

Invencível means 'invincible' (cannot be defeated).

O exército é invencível; a vitória é inatingível para nós.

Sentence Patterns

A [Noun] é inatingível.

A estrela é inatingível.

Parece um [Noun] inatingível.

Parece um sonho inatingível.

Tornou-se [Adjective] e inatingível.

Tornou-se caro e inatingível.

A meta de [Noun] é inatingível.

A meta de vendas é inatingível.

A busca pelo inatingível [Verb].

A busca pelo inatingível motiva o artista.

Revelou-se um patamar inatingível.

Revelou-se um patamar inatingível para a época.

General

Considero [Noun] inatingível.

Considero essa tarefa inatingível.

General

[Noun] são inatingíveis.

Esses preços são inatingíveis.

Word Family

Nouns

atingimento

atendimento

Verbs

atingir

Adjectives

atingível

inatingível

alcançar

alcançável

tangível

tocar

How to Use It

frequency

Medium-High in written media; Medium in spoken language.

Common Mistakes

inatingivél → inatingível
The accent is on the 'í', not the 'e'.
inatingivel → inatingível
You must include the acute accent on the 'í'.
sonhos inatingível → sonhos inatingíveis
The adjective must agree with the plural noun.
inatingívels → inatingíveis
Adjectives ending in '-el' form the plural with '-eis'.
inatingível (for physical shelf) → inalcançável
While not 'wrong', inalcançável is more natural for physical distance.

Tips

Check the Plural

Always remember that 'inatingível' becomes 'inatingíveis'. This is a common test question for Portuguese learners!

Use for Ambition

When writing about your career or dreams, 'inatingível' adds a layer of sophistication that 'difícil' doesn't have.

Nasal Sounds

Practice saying 'in-' and '-ting-' through your nose. Nasal vowels are key to sounding like a native Portuguese speaker.

Business Skepticism

In a meeting, if you think a goal is unrealistic, say 'Essa meta parece inatingível'. it's professional but clear.

Poetic Flair

Use it to describe things like 'perfeição' or 'infinito' to sound more poetic in your writing.

The 'G' is for 'Goal'

Remember that 'inatingível' has a 'g' for 'goal' that you can't reach.

Don't forget the accent

The 'í' needs its accent. It marks where the voice is strongest.

Swap with Inalcançável

If you forget how to spell 'inatingível', 'inalcançável' is a safe and common alternative.

Social Media Literacy

Look for the phrase 'padrões inatingíveis' on Instagram or TikTok to see how it's used in modern debates.

Song Lyrics

Listen to Fado or MPB (Brazilian Popular Music); you will likely hear this word used to describe lost love.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'In-Attain-Able'. In (not) + atingir (attain) + ível (able). If you can't 'attain' it, it's 'inatingível'.

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing on the ground trying to grab a star that is far away in space. The star is 'inatingível'.

Word Web

impossível distante sonho meta inatingível perfeição inalcançável frustração

Challenge

Try to describe three things in your life that are 'atingíveis' (reachable) and one thing that feels 'inatingível' (unreachable) right now.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'in-' (not) + 'attingere' (to touch, to reach) + '-ibilis' (suffix of possibility). The root 'attingere' is composed of 'ad-' (to) and 'tangere' (to touch).

Original meaning: That which cannot be touched or reached.

Romance (Latin-derived)

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but use it carefully when talking to someone about their personal goals so as not to sound too discouraging.

Similar to how English speakers use 'unattainable' in fashion (beauty standards) or 'unreachable' in physical contexts.

The 'Ideal Inatingível' in the poetry of Fernando Pessoa. Journalistic reports on the 'Metas de Paris' (Climate goals) being inatingíveis. The concept of the 'Desejo Inatingível' in psychoanalytic texts in Portuguese.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Workplace

Meta inatingível
Prazo inatingível
Resultados inatingíveis
Proposta inatingível

Personal Dreams

Sonho inatingível
Ideal inatingível
Desejo inatingível
Felicidade inatingível

Physical Space

Lugar inatingível
Ponto inatingível
Altura inatingível
Distância inatingível

Social Criticism

Padrão inatingível
Beleza inatingível
Preço inatingível
Estilo de vida inatingível

Science/Math

Valor inatingível
Precisão inatingível
Temperatura inatingível
Limite inatingível

Conversation Starters

"Você já teve um sonho que parecia inatingível mas você conseguiu realizar?"

"Quais são os padrões de beleza inatingíveis que a mídia promove hoje?"

"Você acha que a paz mundial é um objetivo atingível ou inatingível?"

"Como você lida quando percebe que uma meta de trabalho é inatingível?"

"Qual é o lugar mais inatingível que você gostaria de visitar?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva um momento em que você perseguiu algo inatingível. O que você aprendeu com essa experiência?

Reflita sobre a diferença entre um 'sonho difícil' e um 'sonho inatingível'. Onde você traça essa linha?

Escreva sobre um padrão social que você considera inatingível e como ele afeta as pessoas ao seu redor.

Se você pudesse alcançar o inatingível por apenas um dia, o que você faria?

Analise por que a perfeição é frequentemente descrita como um ideal inatingível na arte.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it can also describe physical places (like a mountain peak) or prices that are too high to afford. However, it is very common in the context of goals and dreams.

The plural is 'inatingíveis'. In Portuguese, adjectives ending in '-el' change to '-eis' in the plural form.

Yes, if you mean they are 'out of your league' or socially distant. For example: 'Ela parece inatingível para ele.' (She seems out of reach for him.)

It is a formal to neutral word. You can use it in a professional meeting or a serious conversation, but it might sound a bit fancy in a very casual setting.

They are nearly identical. 'Inalcançável' is slightly more used for physical things, while 'inatingível' is preferred for abstract concepts like perfection or success.

No, 'inatingível' is a common-gender adjective. It is the same for masculine nouns (o sonho inatingível) and feminine nouns (a meta inatingível).

The 'g' is soft, like the 'j' in 'jeep' or 'jungle', because it comes before the letter 'i'.

The accent is an acute accent on the 'í' (inatingível). It is necessary because the word is a paroxytone ending in 'l'.

Yes, it is the adverbial form, meaning 'unattainably', but it is quite rare. People usually say 'de forma inatingível'.

The opposite is 'atingível', which means 'attainable' or 'reachable'.