unachievable tasks

[ʌn.əˈtʃiː.və.bəl tæsks]
noun phrasepl: unachievable tasks
tarefas inatingíveis
1. Goals, objectives, or assignments that are impossible or extremely difficult to accomplish due to practical, physical, or circumstantial constraints
The project manager assigned unachievable tasks to the team without proper resources.
O gerente de projeto atribuiu tarefas inatingíveis à equipe sem recursos adequados.
2. Objectives that exceed reasonable human capability or available means
Setting unachievable tasks demoralizes employees and reduces productivity.
Estabelecer tarefas inatingíveis desmoraliza os funcionários e reduz a produtividade.
In both Brazilian and American corporate cultures, assigning unachievable tasks is viewed negatively as poor management practice. In Brazil, this is often attributed to unrealistic expectations from leadership (cultura de metas impossíveis). In the USA, this concept relates to the 'Peter Principle' and burnout culture in workplaces.
NYC Slang
impossible asks, no-win situation, set up to fail
Synonyms / Sinônimos
impossible tasksunattainable goalsunrealistic objectivesinsurmountable challengesinfeasible assignments
Antonyms / Antônimos
achievable tasksattainable goalsrealistic objectivesfeasible assignmentsmanageable challenges

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
tarefas inatingíveis
Most common and formal usage
General Brazilian
tarefas impossíveis
More emphatic alternative
Rio de Janeiro
tarefas de impossível execução
Regional formal variation
São Paulo
tarefas impraticáveis
Business/corporate usage
Portugal
tarefas inatingíveis
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; also 'tarefas irrealizáveis'

Related Words

taskobjectivegoalassignmentdeadlinefeasibilitycapabilitylimitation

Related Idioms & Phrases

set someone up for failure
bite off more than one can chew
reach for the stars
mission impossible
climbing an uphill battle
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