unrealistic for + person or thing
Showing something is not practical
Use for to show that expectations or demands do not suit someone or something.
The deadline is unrealistic for new employees.
Unrealistic for or unrealistic in?
Both combinations are possible, but they are used differently. Unrealistic for refers to a person or situation, while unrealistic in refers to a specific aspect or activity.
Quick answer
How the meanings differ
Use unrealistic for when something is unsuitable or impossible for someone or something. Use unrealistic in when discussing behaviour, planning, or thinking in a particular area.
The target is unrealistic for a small team.
She was unrealistic in her expectations.
Such hours are unrealistic for most workers.
She was unrealistic in her expectations.
Such hours are unrealistic for most workers.
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
unrealistic in + activity
Describing behaviour or thinking
Use in before nouns such as planning, budgeting, or expectations.
The report was unrealistic in its assumptions.
unrealistic to + verb
Judging an action or expectation
Another common structure uses to plus verb.
It is unrealistic to expect instant results.
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
unrealistic for
The plan is unrealistic for a startup.
The plan does not suit the startup's situation.
unrealistic in
He was unrealistic in his estimates.
His estimates lacked realism.
unrealistic to + verb
It is unrealistic to promise that.
The action or expectation is not practical.
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Using in for people affected
Use for when something is unsuitable for someone.
✕ The schedule is unrealistic in parents. ✓ The schedule is unrealistic for parents.Using for before expectations
Use in when discussing a specific area of thinking or behaviour.
✕ She was unrealistic for her expectations. ✓ She was unrealistic in her expectations.Quick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. The budget is unrealistic ___ a small company.
2. He was unrealistic ___ his predictions.
3. It is unrealistic ___ expect perfect results immediately.
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Frequently asked questions
Can unrealistic for describe people?
Yes. It often means demands or expectations are too difficult for them.
Can unrealistic in describe behaviour?
Yes. It commonly refers to unrealistic thinking, planning, or expectations.
Is unrealistic about also possible?
Yes. Unrealistic about is used for opinions or beliefs, such as unrealistic about costs.
Related preposition guides
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