unobtainium UK /(ˌ)ʌn.ɒbˈteɪ.nɪ.əm/US /ˌʌn.əbˈteɪ.ni.əm/ noun3 •(humorous) A fictional material or component which, if it existed, would enable one to easily solve a hard problem. •(humorous) An especially rare material or component that is outrageously expensive or otherwise almost impossible to get hold of.Bikes made of titanium, once known as "unobtainium" because of its high price, are down from the stratosphere. — 1998 •(humorous) A high technology component that is extremely expensive. formsunobtainiums