Many people have unrealistic expectations about how quickly they can achieve their career goals.
synonyms
impracticalunattainablefanciful
word origin — The word 'unrealistic' is formed by adding the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' to 'realistic', which derives from 'realism' based on the Latin 'realis' meaning 'actual' or 'true'.
SAT Vocabulary Level 2 — Set 31
Set 31 of SAT Vocabulary Level 2 covers 5 words: unrealistic, ingenious, astute, inseparable, defunct. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.
unrealistic · adjective/ˌʌn.rɪˈlɪs.tɪk/
not having a basis in reality or truth
Many people have unrealistic expectations about how quickly they can achieve their career goals.
Synonyms: impractical, unattainable, fanciful
Origin: The word 'unrealistic' is formed by adding the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' to 'realistic', which derives from 'realism' based on the Latin 'realis' meaning 'actual' or 'true'.
ingenious · adjective/ɪnˈdʒin.jəs/
cleverly inventive or resourceful
The engineer presented an ingenious solution to the problem that had baffled the team for weeks.
Synonyms: clever, inventive, resourceful
Origin: from Latin 'ingeniosus' meaning 'clever, skillful', from 'ingenium' meaning 'innate quality, natural capacity'
astute · adjective/əˈstut/
having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage
Her astute observations during the meeting helped the team identify the key issues that needed addressing.
Synonyms: shrewd, perceptive, insightful
Origin: From Latin 'astutus', meaning 'cunning or clever'.
inseparable · adjective/ɪnˈsɛpərəbəl/
unable to be separated or treated independently
The bond between the twins was so strong that they were considered inseparable friends.
Origin: The word 'inseparable' originates from the Latin root 'inseparabilis', which combines 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'separabilis' meaning 'able to be separated'.
defunct · adjective/dɪˈfʌŋkt/
no longer existing or functioning
The railway line that once connected the two cities is now defunct and overgrown with weeds.
Synonyms: obsolete, extinct, inoperative
Origin: Late Latin 'defunctus', meaning 'finished, dead', from 'defungi', meaning 'to perform, finish'.