Accessible vs. Obtainable: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 29, 2023
"Accessible" means easily reached or understood, while "Obtainable" means able to be acquired or gotten.
Key Differences
"Accessible" and "Obtainable" are both adjectives describing availability, but they apply in different contexts. Something that is accessible is within reach, be it physically, mentally, or situationally. For example, a wheelchair ramp makes a building physically accessible, while a well-explained concept makes information mentally accessible. On the other hand, something that is obtainable can be procured or acquired, often requiring a specific action or condition to be met.
Exploring "Accessible" further, it often describes the ease of approach or use. It implies a lack of barriers or obstacles. For instance, online resources may be considered accessible 24/7 since they can be reached at any time. Conversely, "Obtainable" signifies that with the right means or effort, one can acquire or get hold of something. It doesn't necessarily imply ease; sometimes significant effort or prerequisites are required for something to be obtainable.
In digital contexts, "Accessible" is a term often used to describe websites or software applications designed for users with disabilities, ensuring everyone can use them without hindrance. "Obtainable", in similar contexts, might describe digital goods or services that one can acquire, perhaps through purchase, download, or registration.
Another distinction lies in their root words. "Accessible" derives from "access", implying the ability to enter or approach something. "Obtainable", rooted in "obtain", conveys the idea of successfully gaining possession of something. While both words indicate a form of availability, "Accessible" leans more towards the ease of reaching or understanding, and "Obtainable" leans towards the feasibility of acquisition.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Easily reached or understood
Able to be acquired or gotten
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Context
Ease of approach or use
Feasibility of acquisition
Root Word
Access
Obtain
Digital Usage
Describes user-friendly designs for all users
Describes items/services one can acquire
Implication
Lack of barriers or obstacles
Might require effort or conditions
Accessible and Obtainable Definitions
Accessible
Open to the influence of.
The leader was accessible to new ideas.
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Obtainable
Easily approached or entered.
The park is accessible by both car and public transportation.
Accessible
Obtainable or reachable.
The remote village is only accessible by boat.
Obtainable
Open to the influence of.
The leader was accessible to new ideas.
Accessible
Easily approached or entered.
The park is accessible by both car and public transportation.
Obtainable
Obtainable or reachable.
The remote village is only accessible by boat.
Accessible
Usable by people with disabilities.
The website is accessible to visually impaired users.
Obtainable
Understandable to people.
The professor made complex theories accessible to all students.
Accessible
Easily approached or entered
The stadium is accessible via public transportation.
Obtainable
Usable by people with disabilities.
The website is accessible to visually impaired users.
Accessible
Easily obtained
Accessible money.
Obtainable
To succeed in gaining possession of as the result of planning or endeavor; acquire.
Accessible
Easy to talk to or get along with
An accessible manager.
Obtainable
To be in existence, in effect, or customary
"standards, proprieties that no longer obtain" (Meg Greenfield).
Accessible
Easy to understand or appreciate
An accessible artwork.
Obtainable
(Archaic) To succeed.
Accessible
Designed for use by anyone regardless of physical ability
Remodeled the restroom to make it accessible.
Obtainable
Able to be obtained.
Accessible
Easily swayed or influenced
Accessible to flattery.
Obtainable
Capable of being obtained.
Accessible
Easy of access or approach.
An accessible town or mountain
Obtainable
Capable of being obtained;
Savings of up to 50 percent are obtainable
Accessible
(specifically) Built or designed as to be usable by people with disabilities.
An accessible website
Accessible public transport
Accessible
(of a person) Easy to get along with.
Accessible
(followed by to) Open to the influence of.
Accessible
Obtainable; to be got at.
Accessible
Easily understood or appreciated.
Accessible
Capable of being used or seen.
Accessible
Easy of access or approach; approachable; as, an accessible town or mountain, an accessible person.
Accessible
Open to the influence of; - with to.
Accessible
Obtainable; to be got at.
The best information . . . at present accessible.
Accessible
Capable of being reached;
A town accessible by rail
Accessible
Capable of being read with comprehension;
Readily accessible to the nonprofessional reader
The tales seem more approachable than his more difficult novels
Accessible
Easily obtained;
Most students now have computers accessible
Accessible money
Accessible
Easy to get along with or talk to; friendly;
An accessible and genial man
Accessible
Understandable to people.
The professor made complex theories accessible to all students.
FAQs
Are "Accessible" and "Obtainable" synonymous?
No, while both indicate availability, "Accessible" implies ease of reach or understanding, and "Obtainable" implies the feasibility of acquisition.
Does "Accessible" always mean physically reachable?
No, "Accessible" can also refer to things that are easy to understand or approach mentally.
Can a service be both accessible and obtainable?
Yes, a service can be easy to reach or use (accessible) and available for acquisition (obtainable).
Can something be obtainable but not accessible?
Yes, an item might be available for purchase (obtainable) but stored in a hard-to-reach location (not accessible).
Can a location be described as obtainable?
Typically, "Accessible" is used for locations, but in some contexts, "Obtainable" might imply a location can be reached with effort.
If something requires a lot of effort to get, is it obtainable?
Yes, it's obtainable but might not be easily obtainable.
How does "Accessible" relate to people with disabilities?
"Accessible" can describe places, tools, or content designed for use without hindrance by those with disabilities.
Why are accessible designs important in the digital world?
They ensure that everyone, including those with disabilities, can use and understand digital content.
Is "Obtainable" always about physical items?
No, it can also refer to abstract things like goals or skills.
What does it mean for a website to be accessible?
It means the website is designed to be user-friendly, especially for users with disabilities.
What's the opposite of "Accessible"?
Inaccessible.
Can a concept or idea be obtainable?
In a metaphorical sense, yes. It means the idea can be grasped or understood with effort.
What is the root word of "Accessible"?
Access.
Is accessibility only about physical spaces?
No, it also refers to digital spaces, concepts, and other areas where barriers might exist.
And the opposite of "Obtainable"?
Unobtainable.
Is something obtainable always accessible?
Not necessarily. Some items may be available for acquisition but hard to reach or use.
Can a goal be accessible?
Yes, if it's perceived as easily achievable or within reach.
And the root of "Obtainable"?
Obtain.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
