Obtaining vs. Attaining – Which is Correct?

While both “obtaining” and “attaining” refer to acquiring something, their nuances differ significantly. “Obtaining” generally implies getting possession of something, often through a direct process. “Attaining” suggests reaching a goal or achievement, usually involving effort, skill, or a longer journey. Both are grammatically correct and used in American English, but their appropriate usage depends on the context of the acquisition.

Obtaining or Attaining – Which is Correct?

“Obtaining” and “attaining” are both correct words in American English, but they are not interchangeable. The core difference lies in the nature of what is being acquired and the effort or process involved. “Obtaining” typically refers to the act of getting or acquiring something tangible or a specific item, often implying a more straightforward transaction or retrieval. “Attaining,” on the other hand, implies reaching a desired state, goal, or level, often suggesting a journey, effort, or a process of growth and achievement. Think of it this way: you obtain a permit, but you attain a degree or a high level of proficiency.

These examples highlight the nuances that differentiate attain or obtain in practical language use.

Word	Part of Speech	Meaning	Example
Obtaining	Verb (gerund/present participle)	The act of getting, acquiring, or coming into possession of something, often tangible or specific.	She is responsible for obtaining all the necessary permits for the construction.
Attaining	Verb (gerund/present participle)	The act of reaching a goal, achievement, level, or status, often implying effort, skill, or a process.	His lifelong dream was attaining the rank of grandmaster in chess.

How to Use Obtaining

“Obtaining” is used when you are describing the action of acquiring something, typically an object, a document, a piece of information, or a right. It often implies a more direct, transactional, or procedural method of acquisition. The focus is on the successful possession of the item or right. It can be used in both formal and casual contexts, but it maintains a clear and direct meaning.

Example 1: The company is in the process of obtaining a new business license from the city council.

Example 2: Before traveling internationally, it’s crucial to consider obtaining travel insurance.

Example 3: He spent hours online obtaining information for his research paper.

What are the different forms of Obtaining?

The verb “obtain” can be used in various forms:

• Base form: obtain (e.g., I need to obtain)
• Past tense: obtained (e.g., She obtained)
• Past participle: obtained (e.g., He has obtained)
• Present participle/Gerund: obtaining (e.g., We are obtaining, The act of obtaining)
• Third-person singular present: obtains (e.g., He obtains)

Etymology of the word Obtaining

The word “obtain” comes from the Old French obtenir, which meant “to get, acquire, procure.” This, in turn, derived from the Latin obtinere, meaning “to hold, possess, maintain,” composed of ob- (“in front of, toward”) and tenere (“to hold”). The sense of “to acquire” developed over time from “to hold onto” or “to get hold of.”

How to Use Attaining

“Attaining” is used when you are referring to the act of reaching a specific goal, level, achievement, status, or a state of being, often one that requires significant effort, skill, perseverance, or a developmental process. It implies a journey or a progression towards a desired outcome rather than a simple acquisition. It is often used in more formal or aspirational contexts.

Example 1: The athlete dedicated years to attaining an Olympic gold medal.

Example 2: Many people view attaining financial independence as a major life goal.

Example 3: Her focus is currently on attaining a higher level of proficiency in coding.

What are the different forms of Attaining?

The verb “attain” can be used in various forms:

• Base form: attain (e.g., You can attain)
• Past tense: attained (e.g., They attained)
• Past participle: attained (e.g., She had attained)
• Present participle/Gerund: attaining (e.g., We are attaining, The challenge of attaining)
• Third-person singular present: attains (e.g., He attains)

Etymology of the word Attaining

The word “attain” originates from the Old French ataindre, meaning “to reach, achieve, succeed.” This comes from the Vulgar Latin *attangere, a variant of Latin attingere, which meant “to touch upon, to reach.” It is formed from ad- (“to, toward”) and tangere (“to touch”). The sense of “to reach a goal” evolved from the literal meaning of “to touch upon” or “to arrive at.”

Related Concepts

The distinction between “obtaining” and “attaining” can be understood through the lens of process versus outcome and tangible versus intangible. “Obtaining” often deals with tangible items or specific rights that can be acquired through a direct action or transaction. The focus is on the immediate result of possession. “Attaining,” however, frequently pertains to intangible goals, skills, or states of being that are the result of a sustained effort, learning, or a developmental process. It emphasizes the journey and the achievement of a higher status or level. Recognizing this difference helps clarify when to use each word, ensuring your language accurately reflects the nature of the acquisition or achievement.

Examples from Media and Literature

• “The protagonist’s quest for obtaining the ancient artifact drove the entire narrative.” (Focus on acquiring a specific item)
• “In many self-help books, the emphasis is placed on attaining personal growth and inner peace.” (Focus on achieving a state of being)
• “The legal team worked tirelessly, ultimately obtaining a favorable settlement for their client.” (Focus on getting a specific outcome)
• “Her ambition was not merely to compete, but to focus on attaining peak performance in her sport.” (Focus on reaching a high level)
• “The government faced challenges in obtaining accurate census data from remote regions.” (Focus on acquiring information)

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. After years of study, she succeeded in ______ her doctorate.
2. The first step is ______ all the necessary ingredients for the recipe.
3. His goal is ______ financial stability before retirement.
4. The journalist was praised for ______ an exclusive interview.
5. The team celebrated ______ their sales target for the quarter.

Answer Key

1. attaining
2. obtaining
3. attaining
4. obtaining
5. attaining

Obtaining Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Acquiring	To buy or get an object or asset.
Procuring	To obtain something, especially with care or effort.
Getting	To come to have or hold (something); receive.
Securing	To succeed in obtaining (something), especially with difficulty.
Gaining	To get or achieve (something wanted or desirable).

Attaining Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Achieving	To successfully bring about or reach (an objective or desired result) by effort, skill, or courage.
Reaching	To arrive at a particular point or stage.
Accomplishing	To achieve or complete successfully.
Fulfilling	To bring to completion or reality; achieve or realize (something desired, promised, or predicted).
Realizing	To achieve (something desired or anticipated).

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Can “obtaining” and “attaining” ever be used interchangeably?
No, while both involve getting something, they are not interchangeable. “Obtaining” is for direct acquisition of items or rights, while “attaining” is for reaching goals, levels, or achievements through effort.

Question 2: Does one word imply more effort than the other?
Yes, “attaining” generally implies a greater degree of effort, dedication, and a process over time, as it refers to achieving a goal or a higher status. “Obtaining” can also require effort, but it often refers to a more straightforward act of acquisition.

Question 3: Is “attaining” more formal than “obtaining”?
“Attaining” often appears in more formal or aspirational contexts due to its association with significant achievements and goals. “Obtaining” is widely used in both formal and informal settings for the general act of acquiring something.

Conclusion

Understanding the subtle yet significant differences between “obtaining” and “attaining” is crucial for precise communication. While “obtaining” focuses on the direct acquisition of something, “attaining” emphasizes the achievement of a goal, status, or level through effort and process. Choosing the correct word ensures your message is clear, accurate, and reflects the true nature of the action described. Pro Tip: Using the wrong word can subtly alter the meaning of your statement, potentially impacting your professional reputation for clarity and linguistic precision.