unrealistic

adjective

un·​re·​al·​is·​tic ˌən-ˌrē-ə-ˈli-stik How to pronounce unrealistic (audio)
Synonyms of unrealisticnext
: not realistic : inappropriate to reality or fact
unrealistically
ˌən-ˌrē-ə-ˈli-sti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce unrealistic (audio)
adverb

Examples of unrealistic in a Sentence

It's unrealistic to expect so much. The dialogue in the movie was unrealistic.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
If before-work watering is unrealistic, aim as close to morning as your schedule allows. — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 June 2026 However, most other teams’ fall rosters were already filled by then, Elschot said, making these promises seem hollow and unrealistic. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026 With the cost of produce at an all-time high, 28% of people surveyed say that healthy eating is becoming financially unrealistic for them. — Parents, 22 June 2026 Musk has frequently set unrealistic timelines for projects, including putting a spacecraft on Mars by 2018. — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unrealistic

Word History

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unrealistic was in 1865

Rhymes for unrealistic

See All Rhymes for unrealistic

Browse Nearby Words

unrealist
unrealistic
unreality
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unrealistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unrealistic. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on unrealistic

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for unrealistic

Nglish: Translation of unrealistic for Spanish Speakers

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