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.
Regularly pulling out a clunky upright vacuum cleaner to tidy up floor mats and car seats is just unrealistic. — Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026 Declinism, on the other hand, is an unrealistic glorification of the past coupled with the belief that things are steadily going downhill. — Markham Heid, Time, 8 July 2026 Usually, offer sheets feel like an unrealistic mechanism for acquiring talent. — Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 6 July 2026 Expecting adolescents with still-developing judgment and impulse control to consistently win that battle on their own is unrealistic. — Paul Jester, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 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 10 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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