What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
unmet
Example
The company has unmet expectations for its quarterly earnings. [unmet: adjective]
Example
There are still unmet needs in the community that require attention. [unmet: adjective]
unattained
Example
The athlete's unattained dream was to win an Olympic gold medal. [unattained: adjective]
Example
The company's unattained sales targets led to a decline in revenue. [unattained: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unmet is more commonly used than unattained in everyday language. Unmet is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while unattained is less common and more specific to describing goals or objectives that were not achieved.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between unmet and unattained?
Both unmet and unattained are relatively formal words that are appropriate for use in professional or academic contexts.