Attain or Obtain: Which Is Correct?

Updated 2026-10-03 · Which One Is Correct editorial team

Quick answer: Both attain and obtain are correct English words, but they serve different purposes. You obtain something by getting or acquiring it, while you attain a goal or state by achieving it through effort. Choose the verb that matches your intent.

The Short Answer

Both attain and obtain are correct, standard English verbs that are frequently confused due to their similar sound. Obtain means to get or acquire something tangible or intangible, while attain means to achieve a goal, rank, or state of being through effort.

People often mix them up because both words end in the same suffix and describe success in some form. However, obtain focuses on the act of receiving an object or resource, whereas attain focuses on reaching a high level or accomplishment.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Form	Status	Use it when
Obtain	Correct	You are getting, buying, or securing an object or information.
Attain	Correct	You are achieving a goal, status, or level of excellence.
Both	Verbs	You need an action word that describes success or acquisition.
Neither	Incorrect	You are trying to describe a physical location or direction.

Correct Example Sentences

I need to obtain a copy of the manual before the meeting starts.
She worked hard to attain the highest level of certification.
Please obtain the necessary permits from the city office.
It took years of practice to attain such a high standard of play.
We were able to obtain fresh ingredients for the special dinner.
He hopes to attain a level of financial independence by retirement.
The researcher struggled to obtain the rare data from the archives.
Students must attain a certain grade average to remain on the honor roll.
You can obtain a refund by returning the item within thirty days.
Her dedication allowed her to attain a position of great respect.

Common Mistakes and Fixes

I want to attain a new laptop for my work.: I want to obtain a new laptop for my work.
She obtained a great level of happiness.: She attained a great level of happiness.
Did you attain the keys from the mailbox?: Did you obtain the keys from the mailbox?
He attained the job offer last week.: He obtained the job offer last week.
We need to obtain a higher state of awareness.: We need to attain a higher state of awareness.
The company attained new clients for the project.: The company obtained new clients for the project.

A Quick Test You Can Use

Ask yourself if you are describing the acquisition of an object or the achievement of a milestone. If you can replace the verb with 'get' or 'secure,' use obtain. If you can replace it with 'achieve' or 'reach,' use attain. This simple substitution test will guide you to the right choice every time.

Related Word Pairs

Affect vs Effect: Use affect as a verb for influence and effect as a noun for result.
Complement vs Compliment: Use complement for completion and compliment for praise.
Elicit vs Illicit: Use elicit to draw out a response and illicit for illegal acts.
Principal vs Principle: Use principal for main or headmaster and principle for a rule.
Discreet vs Discrete: Use discreet for careful behavior and discrete for separate items.

More Example Sentences

The monk sought to attain a state of deep inner peace through meditation.
Please obtain a signed copy of the contract before we proceed.
It is difficult to attain perfect symmetry in handcrafted pottery.
You can obtain fresh produce from the local farmer's market.
She hopes to attain fluency in Spanish by next summer.
The librarian helped me obtain a rare first edition of the novel.
Athletes train rigorously to attain peak physical condition.
Residents must obtain a parking permit to use the street lot.
The artist strives to attain a unique visual style in her work.
You can obtain a detailed map of the trails at the visitor center.

Quick Practice

The students worked hard to a high grade on the final exam.

attain

Please the necessary forms from the front desk before your appointment.

obtain

It took years of study for him to mastery of the piano.

attain

We need to more information about the new policy from HR.

obtain

The team aimed to a championship title this season.

attain

You can a discount by purchasing in bulk.

obtain

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between attain and obtain?

Obtain means to get or acquire something, often physical, while attain means to achieve a goal or status through effort and persistence over time.

Can I use obtain when talking about goals?

No, you should use attain for goals. Obtain implies receiving an object or resource, whereas attain implies reaching a specific level of success or accomplishment.

Is attain a more formal word than obtain?

Both words are formal, but attain often feels more elevated because it describes achieving high status. Obtain is very common in legal and business contexts for acquiring items.

Are there any synonyms for attain that help clarify its meaning?

Yes, synonyms like achieve, reach, and accomplish help clarify that attain is about meeting a target or standard rather than simply getting a hold of something.