A method and apparatus for automatically analyzing and providing feedback regarding the optimizability of a relational database query. A query developer's primary goal is to ensure that queries and DML operations are rewritten for the most efficient execution. Rewrite diagnosability captures metadata for each attempted query optimization including success or failure and the reasons for failure. The metadata is stored in association with the operators that were not removed through rewriting. Once all optimizations have been attempted and rewriting is complete, the metadata is selectively displayed based on the cost to perform the associated operation. The context of performing the operation may affect the cost. The cost may be based at least on the type of operation and where within the query tree the operation is located. A query developer may configure the database system not to execute the resulting query plan based on one or more criteria.