What does attainable mean?
Attainable is an adjective describing something that can be achieved, reached, or obtained — typically a goal, target, standard, or level of performance that lies within someone's capability given sufficient effort or the right conditions. It derives from the verb attain, which traces back through Old French ataindre to the Latin attingere, meaning 'to touch or reach.' In modern usage, attainable appears most often in planning and motivational contexts: businesses speak of attainable targets, educators of attainable learning outcomes, and personal-development frameworks insist that goals should be both challenging and attainable. Its connotations are optimistic and practical; calling something attainable implies it may require work, but that success is genuinely possible rather than aspirational fantasy. Common near-synonyms include achievable, reachable, obtainable, feasible, and realistic, with subtle differences: obtainable leans toward acquiring objects, while attainable favors abstract accomplishments. Its direct opposite is unattainable.
adjectiveAble to be achieved, reached, or attained; within one's power or reach to accomplish or obtain.
- (Of a goal, objective, or achievement) able to be accomplished through effort.
- (Of a standard, price, or level) able to be reached or reached by someone.
"With consistent practice, a conversational level of Spanish is entirely attainable within two years."
"The committee set an ambitious but attainable target for cutting emissions by 2030."
"Homeownership remains attainable for many first-time buyers in the region thanks to new assistance programs."
Attainable comes from the Latin 'attingere' — literally 'to touch or reach' — so an attainable goal is, quite literally, one you can lay your hands on.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of attainable
Attainable was formed in English from the verb attain plus the adjectival suffix -able, with the adjective attested from around the late 16th century. The verb attain came into Middle English from Old French ataindre ('to reach, come up to'), itself derived from the Latin attingere, composed of ad- ('to, toward') and tangere ('to touch'). This Latin root also produced cognates such as contain (from continere), obtain (from obtinere), and contact, all sharing the sense of touching or reaching.
How attainable is actually used
Attainable is neutral in register and common in both formal and everyday contexts. It carries a positive, encouraging connotation, frequently used in motivational, business, and self-improvement language — especially in phrases like 'attainable goals' or SMART-goal frameworks. It is slightly less common than achievable in casual American speech but preferred in some formal writing.
Easily confused with attainable
Obtainable refers specifically to things that can be gotten or acquired, while attainable more often applies to goals, levels, or achievements that can be reached through effort.