Definition

Adjective Phrase: - Inaccessibly located or situated: Describes something that is physically or metaphorically too far away to be accessed, touched, obtained, or achieved.

Usage

This phrase is used to describe a state of being inaccessible. It can refer to physical distance, a high position, or a metaphorical state (like a goal or price) that cannot be attained. - It is commonly used after the verb "to be" (e.g., is, are, was, were) or verbs like "seem," "feel," "remain." - It can be used literally for objects or places, or figuratively for concepts like dreams or prices.

Examples

• Literal Physical Distance:
  • The cookies were placed on the top shelf, out of reach of the children.
  • The remote control had fallen behind the sofa, just out of reach.
• Metaphorical/Figurative Use:
  • For many families, buying a house in the city is out of reach financially.
  • True peace seemed out of reach for the war-torn region.

Advanced Usage

• "to be placed/put/kept out of reach": This construction emphasizes a deliberate action to make something inaccessible, often for safety.
  • Medicines should be kept out of reach of small children.
• "to feel/remain out of reach": Used to describe a persistent state of inaccessibility, often for abstract goals.
  • A solution to the problem remained frustratingly out of reach.

Variants and Related Words

• Unreachable (Adjective): Not able to be reached or contacted. (e.g., )
• Inaccessible (Adjective): Impossible to reach, approach, or enter. (e.g., )
• Beyond reach: A near-synonymous phrase with the same core meaning. (e.g., )

Synonyms

• Unattainable: Not able to be achieved or obtained.
• Unapproachable: Not able to be reached or accessed; also used for people who are not friendly.
• Inaccessible: Not able to be reached, used, or understood.

Antonyms

• Within reach: Able to be reached or achieved.
• Accessible: Easy to approach, reach, enter, or use.
• Attainable: Able to be accomplished or achieved.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• A stretch too far / A bridge too far: An attempt to achieve something that is beyond one's capabilities or resources. This is similar in concept but implies an overambitious attempt, whereas "out of reach" simply states the state of inaccessibility.
• Out of one's league: Beyond one's ability, social status, or financial means. This is often used for interpersonal comparisons (e.g., dating, competition).

Adjective

1. inaccessibly located or situated
   • an unapproachable chalet high in the mountains
   • an unreachable canyon
   • the unreachable stars