Attainable vs Obtainable: When To Use Each One In Writing?

When it comes to achieving goals, there are two words that are often used interchangeably: attainable and obtainable. However, these words have distinct meanings that can make a big difference in how you approach your goals.

So, which of the two is the proper word to use? The answer is that both words can be correct, depending on the context.

Attainable means achievable or within reach. It refers to something that is possible to accomplish, given the right circumstances and effort. Obtainable, on the other hand, means capable of being obtained or acquired. It refers to something that can be gained or acquired through effort, skill, or resources.

Understanding the difference between these two words is important because it can help you set more realistic goals and develop a more effective plan for achieving them.

Define Attainable

Attainable refers to something that is achievable or within reach. It is a goal or objective that can be accomplished with effort and determination. Attainable goals are realistic and practical, and can be accomplished within a reasonable amount of time.

In the context of personal development, attainable goals are essential for building confidence and self-esteem. When individuals set attainable goals for themselves, they are more likely to experience success and feel a sense of accomplishment. This, in turn, can lead to increased motivation and a desire to set and achieve even more challenging goals.

Examples of attainable goals include learning a new skill, losing a certain amount of weight, or saving a specific amount of money. These goals are specific, measurable, and realistic, and can be accomplished with effort and dedication.

Define Obtainable

Obtainable refers to something that can be obtained or acquired. It is a goal or objective that can be attained through various means, such as hard work, dedication, or resources. Obtainable goals may require more effort or resources than attainable goals, but they are still within reach.

In the context of business, obtainable goals are critical for success. Companies set obtainable goals to increase revenue, expand their customer base, or improve their products or services. These goals require strategic planning, resource allocation, and a commitment to excellence.

Examples of obtainable goals for a business may include increasing sales by a certain percentage, launching a new product or service, or expanding into a new market. These goals require significant effort and resources, but they are still achievable with the right strategy and execution.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Choosing the right words to use in a sentence can be tricky, especially when it comes to words that are similar in meaning. Two such words are “attainable” and “obtainable.” While they may seem interchangeable, there are subtle differences in their meanings that can affect how they are used in a sentence.

How To Use “Attainable” In A Sentence

The word “attainable” is an adjective that means achievable or within reach. It is often used to describe goals, aspirations, or objectives that can be accomplished with effort and determination. Here are some examples of how to use “attainable” in a sentence:

• With hard work and dedication, a promotion is an attainable goal.
• Setting realistic and attainable targets is key to achieving success.
• Although it may be difficult, a healthy work-life balance is attainable.

As you can see, “attainable” is used to describe something that can be achieved with effort and persistence. It is often associated with setting goals and working towards them.

How To Use “Obtainable” In A Sentence

The word “obtainable” is also an adjective, but it means something that can be obtained or acquired. It is often used to describe physical objects or tangible outcomes. Here are some examples of how to use “obtainable” in a sentence:

• The necessary resources to complete the project are obtainable.
• A college education is obtainable with the help of scholarships and financial aid.
• Good health is obtainable through proper nutrition and exercise.

As you can see, “obtainable” is used to describe something that can be obtained or acquired, often through external means. It is often associated with physical objects or tangible outcomes.

While “attainable” and “obtainable” may seem interchangeable, they have different meanings that can affect how they are used in a sentence. “Attainable” is used to describe something that can be achieved with effort and persistence, while “obtainable” is used to describe something that can be obtained or acquired. By understanding these subtle differences, you can choose the right word to use in your writing and communicate your ideas more effectively.

More Examples Of Attainable & Obtainable Used In Sentences

In order to further understand the subtle differences between attainable and obtainable, it is helpful to examine how these words are used in context. Here are some examples of both words being used in a sentence:

Examples Of Using Attainable In A Sentence

• With hard work and dedication, becoming a doctor is an attainable goal.
• She set an attainable goal of running a 5k in under 30 minutes.
• Getting a good night’s sleep is an attainable task if you establish a consistent bedtime routine.
• The company’s goal is to make healthy food options more attainable for people on a budget.
• He worked diligently to make his dream of owning a business an attainable reality.
• Learning a new language is a challenging but attainable skill with consistent practice.
• By breaking down the project into smaller tasks, the team was able to make the deadline more attainable.
• Her dream of traveling the world became more attainable after she received a scholarship.
• With the right tools and resources, building a website is an attainable task even for beginners.
• Setting realistic and attainable goals is key to achieving success in any area of life.

Examples Of Using Obtainable In A Sentence

• The company had to determine whether the necessary funding was obtainable before starting the project.
• She realized that getting the job would not be obtainable without a college degree.
• The team had to weigh the risks and benefits to determine if the goal was obtainable within the given timeframe.
• Obtaining a visa can be a complicated process, but with the right guidance, it is obtainable.
• He knew that winning the competition would not be an obtainable goal without months of training.
• The company had to adjust their expectations when they realized that their initial revenue projections were not obtainable.
• She worked tirelessly to make her dream of owning a home in the city obtainable.
• Obtaining a patent requires a thorough understanding of the legal process and can take several years.
• He had to prove that the required qualifications were obtainable before being considered for the job.
• Obtaining a degree from a prestigious university is a challenging task, but it is obtainable with hard work and dedication.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “attainable” and “obtainable,” many people make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these words have distinct meanings and should not be used interchangeably. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Attainable” When “Obtainable” Should Be Used

One common mistake is using “attainable” when “obtainable” should be used. While both words refer to something that can be achieved, “obtainable” specifically refers to something that can be acquired or obtained. For example, “The job offer is obtainable if you meet the qualifications” is correct, while “The job offer is attainable if you meet the qualifications” is incorrect.

Using “Obtainable” When “Attainable” Should Be Used

Conversely, another common mistake is using “obtainable” when “attainable” should be used. While both words refer to something that can be achieved, “attainable” specifically refers to something that can be reached or accomplished. For example, “The goal is attainable with hard work” is correct, while “The goal is obtainable with hard work” is incorrect.

Using Both Words Interchangeably

Finally, some people make the mistake of using both words interchangeably, without considering their distinct meanings. This can lead to confusion and ambiguity in communication. To avoid this mistake, it is important to understand the difference between “attainable” and “obtainable” and use them appropriately.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

To avoid these common mistakes, it is important to pay attention to the specific meanings of “attainable” and “obtainable” and use them appropriately. Here are some tips to help:

• Look up the definitions of “attainable” and “obtainable” to understand their distinct meanings.
• Consider the context in which you are using the word and choose the appropriate one.
• Proofread your writing to ensure you have used the correct word.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “attainable” and “obtainable,” context is key. The context in which these words are used can greatly affect their meaning and which one is more appropriate to use.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “attainable” and “obtainable” might change:

Context	Explanation	Word Choice
Personal Goals	When setting personal goals, the focus is often on what is achievable for oneself.	“Attainable”
Business Goals	When setting goals for a business, the focus is often on what can be obtained through various means.	“Obtainable”
Education	When discussing education, the focus is often on what can be achieved through hard work and dedication.	“Attainable”
Legal Matters	When discussing legal matters, the focus is often on what can be obtained through legal channels.	“Obtainable”

As you can see, the choice between “attainable” and “obtainable” can vary greatly depending on the context in which they are used. It’s important to consider the context and choose the word that best fits the situation.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using attainable and obtainable are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to keep in mind. Below are some situations where the rules may not apply:

1. Technical Jargon

In technical fields, such as science or engineering, the terms attainable and obtainable may have specific meanings that differ from their general usage. In these cases, it is important to use the terms in the context of their technical definition to ensure clear communication. For example, in chemistry, attainable may refer to the maximum yield of a chemical reaction, while obtainable may refer to the actual yield achieved under specific conditions.

2. Regional Differences

There may be regional differences in the usage of attainable and obtainable. For instance, in British English, obtainable is often used more frequently than attainable. In American English, however, the two terms are used more interchangeably. It is important to be aware of these differences when communicating with people from different regions.

3. Contextual Considerations

The context in which the terms are used can also affect their meaning. For example, in a business context, attainable may refer to a goal that is realistic and achievable, while obtainable may refer to a product or service that is available for purchase. In a legal context, obtainable may refer to evidence that can be obtained through legal means, while attainable may refer to a legal outcome that is achievable through the court system.

4. Personal Interpretation

Finally, it is important to remember that language is subjective and personal interpretation can vary. While the rules for using attainable and obtainable may be clear, some people may use the terms differently based on their own understanding or experience. It is important to clarify the intended meaning of these terms in any communication to avoid confusion.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have a clear understanding of the difference between attainable and obtainable, it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. Here are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word to fill in the blank in each sentence:

1. It is ________ for anyone to learn a new language if they put in the effort.
2. The company set ________ goals for the quarter and worked tirelessly to achieve them.
3. Winning the lottery is not an ________ goal for most people.
4. After years of hard work, he finally ________ his dream of owning his own business.
5. Her goal was to ________ a degree in engineering, and she worked hard to make it happen.

Answer Key:

Blank	Answer
attainable	obtainable
attainable	attainable
attainable	obtainable
attained	attained
attain	attain

Exercise 2: Sentence Writing

Write a sentence using each of the following words:

• attainable
• obtainable
• attained
• obtained

Answer Key:

• Learning a new language is attainable with practice.
• The job offer was obtainable with the right qualifications.
• After years of hard work, she finally attained her dream job.
• He obtained a degree in engineering after four years of study.

These exercises should help you improve your understanding and use of attainable and obtainable in sentences. Remember, attainable refers to something that is achievable with effort, while obtainable refers to something that is accessible or available. By using these words correctly, you can communicate your ideas more effectively and precisely.

Conclusion

After exploring the difference between attainable and obtainable, it is clear that these two terms are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings in the English language. Attainable refers to something that is achievable or within reach, while obtainable refers to something that can be acquired or obtained.

It is important to understand the difference between these two terms when using them in writing or conversation, as using them incorrectly can lead to confusion or miscommunication.

Additionally, this article highlights the importance of proper grammar and language use in effective communication. By continuing to learn and improve our language skills, we can better convey our ideas and connect with others.