What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
attainment
Example
His attainment of a college degree opened up many career opportunities. [attainment: noun]
Example
She worked hard to attain fluency in a foreign language. [attain: verb]
acquisition
Example
The company announced the acquisition of a new technology startup. [acquisition: noun]
Example
He has made several acquisitions to expand his art collection. [acquire: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Acquisition is more commonly used than attainment in everyday language. Acquisition is often used in professional or business contexts, while attainment is more commonly used in academic or personal development contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between attainment and acquisition?
Both attainment and acquisition can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, acquisition may have a slightly more formal connotation due to its association with business or professional settings.
