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obtainable

B1
adjective

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ɒbtˈeɪnəbəl/

US

  • /əbˈteɪnəbəl/

Description

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."

Examples

  1. 1

    Online shopping

    Replacement parts are easily obtainable online.

  2. 2

    School forms

    Application forms are obtainable from the school office.

  3. 3

    Prescription medicine

    The medicine is obtainable only with a doctor's prescription.

  4. 4

    Rural access

    In some rural areas, clean drinking water is not easily obtainable.

  5. 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