something we can actually do / within reach

attainable

adjective|/əˈteɪ.nə.bəl/

Able to be achieved or reached

Examples

In a meeting

Let's set attainable goals for this quarter rather than stretch targets.

Over coffee

Running a 5K is attainable if I train for a few months.

Why this word

possible

Possible means capable of happening, while attainable specifically means achievable through effort or action

reachable

Reachable is informal and physical, while attainable is formal and encompasses goals requiring sustained effort

doable

Doable is casual and doesn't convey the aspirational quality, while attainable suggests a worthy goal within realistic capability

Usage tip

Use when discussing realistic goals or outcomes; emphasizes possibility with effort

Etymology

Old French: ataindre 'to reach', from Latin attingere (ad- 'to' + tangere 'touch')

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