What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
unavailable
Example
I'm sorry, but the manager is currently unavailable. [unavailable: adjective]
Example
The tickets for the concert are unavailable at the moment. [unavailable: adjective]
Example
She made herself unavailable for the meeting due to a prior engagement. [unavailable: adjective]
unobtainable
Example
Winning the lottery is an unobtainable dream for most people. [unobtainable: adjective]
Example
The company's goal of becoming a billion-dollar enterprise is unobtainable. [unobtainable: adjective]
Example
The antique vase is unobtainable as it is a one-of-a-kind piece. [unobtainable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unavailable is more commonly used than unobtainable in everyday language. Unavailable is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while unobtainable is less common and more formal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between unavailable and unobtainable?
Unobtainable is more formal than unavailable. It is often used in academic or professional settings, while unavailable is used in both formal and informal contexts.
