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.
That means avoiding exaggerated claims, presenting opportunities transparently and ensuring that educational content supports informed decision-making rather than unrealistic expectations. — Ramesh Tambe, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 The disclosure, furnished by the nonprofit group Whistleblower Aid, claimed that the Postal Service built its Federal Ballot Mail Portal under an unrealistic timetable, failed to test it adequately, and could delay large ballot mailings. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 1 Sep. 2026 Esther’s sudden fortune and failure — which arrives via mail in two envelopes on the same day — is unrealistic, and her story isn’t resolved in a satisfactory way at the end. — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Aug. 2026 The special effects are jerkily unrealistic, resembling the graphics in The Sims. — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 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

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Browse Nearby Words

unrealist
unrealistic
unreality
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Cite this Entry

“Unrealistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unrealistic. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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