Attainable vs. Obtainable – Which is Correct?

While often used interchangeably, attainable and obtainable carry distinct nuances. Attainable refers to something that can be achieved through effort, skill, or ambition, emphasizing the journey or challenge. Obtainable simply means something can be acquired or gotten, focusing on the availability of the item itself. Both are correct, but their appropriate use depends on the context of achievement versus acquisition.

Attainable or Obtainable – Which is Correct?

Both “attainable” and “obtainable” are grammatically correct and widely used adjectives in American English. The distinction lies in their shades of meaning, which stem from the verbs they are derived from: “attain” and “obtain.” While both relate to getting something, “attainable” implies a goal that can be reached through dedicated effort, skill, or perseverance, often suggesting a challenge. “Obtainable,” on the other hand, refers to something that is simply available to be acquired or procured, focusing more on its availability rather than the effort involved in getting it.

To fully grasp these nuances, it’s helpful to first understand the core differences between the verbs themselves, as explored in Attain vs. Obtain.

The Best Trick to Remember the Difference

To remember the difference, think of the “A” in attainable as standing for Achievement or Ambition. You achieve a goal, and goals are attainable. The “O” in obtainable can stand for Object or Acquisition. You acquire an object, and objects are obtainable. If it requires effort, skill, or a journey to reach, it’s likely attainable. If it’s simply a matter of getting your hands on it because it’s available, it’s obtainable.

Word	Part of Speech	Meaning	Example
Attainable	Adjective	Capable of being achieved or accomplished through effort.	For a new startup, profitability within two years is an attainable goal.
Obtainable	Adjective	Capable of being acquired or gotten.	Fresh produce is easily obtainable at the local farmer’s market.

How to Use Attainable

The word “attainable” is an adjective used to describe something that can be reached, achieved, or accomplished, usually implying a degree of effort, ambition, or skill. It often relates to goals, aspirations, or results that require work to bring about. Using “attainable” emphasizes the potential for success despite challenges. Its tone is often positive and encouraging, suggesting that a desired outcome is within reach if one strives for it.

Example 1: With consistent practice, mastering a new language is an attainable skill for anyone.

Example 2: The company set realistic and attainable targets for the next fiscal quarter.

Example 3: While challenging, a perfect score on the exam is certainly attainable for dedicated students.

What are the different forms of Attainable?

As an adjective, “attainable” can be used in its base form or with comparative and superlative degrees:

• Base Form: attainable (e.g., “a realistic goal”)
• Comparative Form: more attainable (e.g., “a more attainable target”)
• Superlative Form: most attainable (e.g., “the most attainable objective”)

Etymology of the word Attainable

The word “attainable” comes from the Old French verb ataindre, meaning “to reach, achieve, accomplish,” which itself derived from the Latin attingere, meaning “to touch, reach, arrive at.” The suffix “-able” indicates capability or possibility, making “attainable” mean “capable of being attained.”

How to Use Obtainable

“Obtainable” is an adjective used to describe something that can be acquired, procured, or gotten. It focuses on the availability of an item or resource rather than the effort involved in achieving a goal. When something is “obtainable,” it means it is accessible and can be secured without necessarily implying a difficult struggle or a long process of achievement. Its tone is typically neutral, simply stating a fact about availability.

Example 1: Detailed information about the product is readily obtainable from their website.

Example 2: The rare coin is still obtainable, but only through specialized antique dealers.

Example 3: Due to supply chain issues, certain components are no longer easily obtainable.

What are the different forms of Obtainable?

As an adjective, “obtainable” can be used in its base form or with comparative and superlative degrees:

• Base Form: obtainable (e.g., “a common item”)
• Comparative Form: more obtainable (e.g., “a more obtainable solution”)
• Superlative Form: most obtainable (e.g., “the most obtainable resource”)

Etymology of the word Obtainable

“Obtainable” originates from the Old French verb obtenir, meaning “to acquire, get,” which in turn came from the Latin obtinere, meaning “to hold, possess, acquire.” Similar to “attainable,” the “-able” suffix denotes capability, so “obtainable” means “capable of being obtained.”

Related Concepts

Understanding broader linguistic concepts can help clarify the subtle differences between words like “attainable” and “obtainable.”

• Verbs of Achievement vs. Acquisition: The core distinction lies in the root verbs. “Attain” implies striving for a goal, while “obtain” implies acquiring a tangible item or information. Recognizing this difference in the base verbs helps distinguish the adjectives.
• Semantic Nuance: This refers to the subtle differences in meaning between words that appear similar. “Attainable” and “obtainable” are perfect examples of words with distinct semantic nuances, where context dictates the appropriate choice.

Examples from Media and Literature

• “A truly equitable and just society remains an aspirational yet attainable goal, requiring continuous effort from all its citizens.”
• “The author stressed that while perfect prose is elusive, clear and compelling storytelling is always an attainable standard.”
• “Information regarding the ancient ruins is scarce but still obtainable through careful archaeological research.”
• “The rare species of orchid is only obtainable from remote jungle regions, making it highly prized by collectors.”
• “For many, financial independence feels like a distant dream, yet with strategic planning, it is often a highly attainable reality.”

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. Achieving a work-life balance can be challenging, but it is a highly _________ goal with proper time management.
2. The exact figures for the company’s annual profits are _________ from their public financial reports.
3. For an amateur athlete, qualifying for the national championships is an incredibly difficult, yet _________ feat.
4. These vintage car parts are becoming increasingly rare and difficult to _________.
5. With the right technology, a carbon-neutral future is not just a dream, but an _________ objective.

Answer Key

1. attainable
2. obtainable
3. attainable
4. obtainable
5. attainable

Attainable Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Achievable	Capable of being successfully accomplished.
Feasible	Possible to do easily or conveniently.
Realistic	Having or showing a sensible and practical idea of what can be achieved.
Possible	Able to be done or achieved.

Obtainable Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Acquirable	Able to be bought or obtained.
Available	Ready for use; at hand.
Procurable	Able to be obtained or acquired.
Accessible	Able to be reached or entered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Can ‘attainable’ and ‘obtainable’ be used interchangeably?
While they share some overlap, it’s best to avoid using them interchangeably if precision is important. ‘Attainable’ implies effort and achievement, whereas ‘obtainable’ refers to simple availability or acquisition.

Question 2: When should I prioritize ‘attainable’?
Use ‘attainable’ when discussing goals, aspirations, or outcomes that require effort, skill, or overcoming challenges. It emphasizes the journey and the possibility of success through work.

Question 3: When is ‘obtainable’ the better choice?
Choose ‘obtainable’ when referring to items, resources, or information that can be acquired, procured, or found. It focuses on the availability and accessibility of something.

Conclusion

Understanding the subtle yet significant difference between “attainable” and “obtainable” empowers you to communicate with greater precision and clarity. While both words describe something within reach, “attainable” speaks to goals that can be achieved through effort and ambition, while “obtainable” refers to items that can simply be acquired or found. Choosing the correct word enhances the accuracy and impact of your message. Pro Tip: Using the appropriate term demonstrates a strong command of the English language, which is crucial for maintaining a professional and credible reputation in both written and spoken communication.