Reading Theme:
Unrealistic Meaning, Examples & Usage Guide (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：not practical (unrealistic)
unrealistic
/ˌʌn.rɪəˈlɪs.tɪk/
adj.
Not based on how things really are; a plan or hope that is too good to be true.
not practical
➕
/nɑt ˈpræktɪkəl/
adj.
Describes a plan, idea, or expectation that is not based on the real situation; overly optimistic and unlikely to succeed.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
'un-' (not) + 'realistic' (from 'real' + '-istic'): not based on reality.
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine planning to finish a marathon in 1 hour - that's 'un'-'realistic'!
📖 Example
His plan to become a professional translator in one week is completely unrealistic.
His plan to become a professional translator in one week is completely unrealistic.
🔗 Collocations
unrealistic expectations – Expectations that are too high and not achievable in reality.
unrealistic goal – A goal that is impossible or very difficult to achieve under normal conditions.
unrealistic plan – A plan that lacks feasibility and disregards practical limitations.
🔄 Synonyms
impractical (adj.) – Not sensible or realistic; not likely to be effective or successful.
unrealizable (adj.) – Incapable of being made real or actual; impossible to achieve.
fanciful (adj.) – Overly imaginative or unrealistic; not based on fact.
🚫 Antonyms
realistic (adj.) – Based on facts and the real situation; practical and achievable.
practical (adj.) – Suitable for actual use; realistic and sensible.
achievable (adj.) – Capable of being accomplished or reached with reasonable effort.
🌱 Derivatives
unrealistically (adv.) – In a way that is not based on reality; excessively optimistically.
unrealisticness (n.) – The quality or state of being unrealistic.
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from 'un-' (not) and 'realistic' (from Latin 'realis' meaning actual). Frequently used in business and self-help contexts to critique overly optimistic goals.
Meaning 2：too perfect to be true (unrealistic)
unrealistic
/ˌʌn.rɪəˈlɪs.tɪk/
adj.
Something that looks too perfect to be real, like in movies or ads.
too perfect to be true
➕
/tuː ˈpɜːrfɪkt tuː biː truː/
adj.
Describes an image or representation that shows an impossibly perfect result, commonly seen in advertisements or films, which does not reflect reality.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The advertisements for that skincare product often show unrealistic results.
The advertisements for that skincare product often show unrealistic results.
🔗 Collocations
unrealistic beauty standards – Standards of appearance that are impossible for most people to achieve naturally.
unrealistic portrayal – A depiction that exaggerates or idealizes reality, especially in media.
unrealistic expectations – Expectations that are not grounded in what is actually possible.
🔄 Synonyms
unbelievable (adj.) – Too improbable to be believed; not convincing.
exaggerated (adj.) – Represented as larger, better, or worse than in reality; overstated.
idealized (adj.) – Regarded or represented as perfect or better than in reality.
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