obtainable
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ɒbtˈeɪnəbəl/
US
- /əbˈteɪnəbəl/
Description
- attainable
- achievable
- possible
- within reach
- accessible
Something that's obtainable isn't locked away in a dream—it's something you can actually get. If a goal feels distant and impossible, it isn't obtainable. But if you have a plan and what you need to make it happen, then it is. Think of a delicious apple hanging on a low branch—easy to get.
The word suggests that while effort may be needed, success is still realistic. A scholarship for college may be obtainable with hard work, while flying to Mars as a tourist right now isn't quite obtainable... yet. It's often used when talking about goals, dreams, or resources. For example, "With the new payment plan, owning a home is finally obtainable for many young families."
To say something is obtainable means it is possible to acquire, achieve, or attain it—usually through effort and resourcefulness. It implies that while there might be challenges, the goal isn't fundamentally impossible. For example: "With dedication and practice, fluency in a new language is certainly obtainable."
Obtainable differs from simply possible. Something can be theoretically possible (like winning the lottery) but not realistically obtainable without significant luck. Obtainable suggests that a reasonable, actionable path to success exists.
It is frequently used when discussing goals, opportunities, or resources. "A good education should be obtainable for everyone," highlights the importance of accessibility. Or, "While a promotion wasn't guaranteed, it was certainly obtainable with hard work and dedication." You might also hear it in contexts like pricing: "We strive to make our products obtainable for all income levels."
The opposite of obtainable is often unattainable or inaccessible. While dreams are wonderful, recognizing what is truly obtainable helps us focus our energy on realistic milestones. So, when you're considering a path forward, ask yourself: Is this goal genuinely obtainable? If so, roll up your sleeves and get to work!
Examples
- 1
Online shopping
Replacement parts are easily obtainable online.
- 2
School forms
Application forms are obtainable from the school office.
- 3
Prescription medicine
The medicine is obtainable only with a doctor's prescription.
- 4
Rural access
In some rural areas, clean drinking water is not easily obtainable.
- 5
Public records
The documents are publicly obtainable, but you have to submit a formal request.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- obtainableadjective