Impossible vs. Unattainable: What's the Difference?

While both "impossible" and "unattainable" suggest something difficult to achieve, there's a key distinction. "Impossible" means something that absolutely cannot be done, it's against the laws of nature or logic. "Unattainable," on the other hand, means something that is extremely difficult to achieve, perhaps requiring resources or effort beyond what's currently available, but not inherently impossible. Think of it like this: flying without wings is generally considered impossible, while becoming the world's richest person is unattainable for most, but not entirely impossible.

Here are some example sentences to illustrate the difference:

  • Impossible: "It's impossible to be in two places at once." (Meaning: This defies the laws of physics.)
  • Impossible (translation): This sentence needs no translation as it is already in English.
  • Unattainable: "Her dream of becoming a famous astronaut felt unattainable after failing the entrance exam." (Meaning: It is very difficult to achieve due to obstacles, but it's not entirely impossible.)
  • Unattainable (translation): This sentence needs no translation as it is already in English.

Let's look at another example:

  • Impossible: "It's impossible to travel faster than the speed of light." (Meaning: This violates the laws of physics as we understand them.)
  • Impossible (translation): This sentence needs no translation as it is already in English.
  • Unattainable: "Winning the lottery is unattainable for most people." (Meaning: Highly unlikely, but not strictly impossible.)
  • Unattainable (translation): This sentence needs no translation as it is already in English.

In short, remember that "impossible" suggests something fundamentally impossible, whereas "unattainable" indicates something that is extremely difficult, though possibly achievable with significant effort or changed circumstances.

Happy learning!

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