unrealistic
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for unrealistic, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Not based on a sensible or practical view of what is possible; not realistic.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use unrealistic
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From un- ("not") plus realistic.
Full origin of unrealistic →Frequently asked questions
What does “unrealistic” mean?
The word “unrealistic” means not based on a sensible or practical view of what is possible; not realistic. In plain terms, describes goals, expectations, or plans that ignore practical limits.
How do you use “unrealistic” in a sentence?
Here is “unrealistic” used in a sentence: “Setting an unrealistic deadline just sets the team up to fail.”
What part of speech is “unrealistic”?
“Unrealistic” is an adjective.
Is “unrealistic” a common word?
“Unrealistic” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between unrealistic and unreal?
Unrealistic describes expectations, plans, or goals that are not based on a sensible or practical view of what is possible, such as an unrealistic deadline. Unreal instead describes something that seems to lack the solidity of actual reality or is extremely impressive, and is not typically used to judge plans or expectations.
Can unrealistic describe both goals and portrayals?
Yes, unrealistic commonly describes goals or expectations that are impractical, such as unrealistic targets, as well as depictions that do not match real life, such as an unrealistic portrayal of a job in a film.
What is a common collocation with unrealistic?
Common collocations include unrealistic expectations, unrealistic deadline, unrealistic goal, and unrealistic portrayal, all describing something not grounded in practical reality.