Accessible vs. Obtainable — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 17, 2024
Accessible means something can be easily reached or used, while obtainable refers to something that can be acquired or achieved, often with effort.
Difference Between Accessible and Obtainable
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Accessible describes the ease with which something can be reached, entered, or used. For example, a building with ramps and elevators is accessible to people with disabilities. Obtainable, on the other hand, emphasizes the ability to acquire or achieve something, often through effort or action. For instance, a job promotion is obtainable through hard work and dedication.
Accessibility often relates to physical or digital spaces and their user-friendliness. For example, a website designed with large fonts and simple navigation is accessible to users with visual impairments. Obtainability focuses more on the possibility of acquisition or attainment, such as obtaining a visa, which may require meeting specific criteria and completing an application process.
Accessible can also refer to information or services that are readily available and easy to understand. For example, accessible customer support means help is easily reachable and comprehensible. Obtainable emphasizes the end result of an effort, like obtaining a high score in a game, which involves skill and persistence.
Accessible implies minimal barriers to entry or use, making it convenient for everyone. For instance, public transportation that accommodates all riders is accessible. Obtainable implies a potential achievement or acquisition, which may involve overcoming obstacles. For example, a rare collectible might be obtainable through extensive searching or purchasing.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Easily reached, entered, or used
Can be acquired or achieved
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Emphasis
Ease of access and use
Possibility of acquisition or attainment
Context
Physical, digital spaces, information
Goals, items, achievements
Barriers
Minimal or none
May require effort or overcoming obstacles
Example
Wheelchair-accessible building
Promotion obtainable through hard work
Compare with Definitions
Accessible
Understandable and user-friendly.
The instructions were written in accessible language.
Obtainable
Achievable goal or result.
The championship title is obtainable with consistent training.
Accessible
Available to a wide range of people.
The museum is accessible to all visitors, including those with disabilities.
Obtainable
Possible to acquire or achieve.
A degree in engineering is obtainable through rigorous study.
Accessible
Physically reachable or navigable.
The trail is accessible to hikers of all skill levels.
Obtainable
Available through certain actions or conditions.
The rare book is obtainable through a special order.
Accessible
Convenient and within reach.
Customer service is accessible 24/7 via phone or email.
Obtainable
Within one's ability to secure.
The certification is obtainable after passing the exam.
Accessible
(of a place) able to be reached or entered
The town is accessible by bus
This room is not accessible to elderly people
Obtainable
Can be attained with effort.
The grant is obtainable if all the requirements are met.
Accessible
(of a person, especially one in a position of authority) friendly and easy to talk to; approachable
He is more accessible than most tycoons
Obtainable
To succeed in gaining possession of as the result of planning or endeavor; acquire.
Accessible
Easily approached or entered
The stadium is accessible via public transportation.
Obtainable
To be in existence, in effect, or customary
"standards, proprieties that no longer obtain" (Meg Greenfield).
Accessible
Easily obtained
Accessible money.
Obtainable
(Archaic) To succeed.
Accessible
Easy to talk to or get along with
An accessible manager.
Obtainable
Able to be obtained.
Accessible
Easy to understand or appreciate
An accessible artwork.
Obtainable
Capable of being obtained.
Accessible
Designed for use by anyone regardless of physical ability
Remodeled the restroom to make it accessible.
Obtainable
Capable of being obtained;
Savings of up to 50 percent are obtainable
Accessible
Easily swayed or influenced
Accessible to flattery.
Accessible
Easy of access or approach.
An accessible town or mountain
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
Easy to approach, reach, or use.
The library is accessible by public transportation.
Common Curiosities
How is obtainable different from accessible?
Obtainable means something can be acquired or achieved, often requiring effort, while accessible focuses on ease of access and use.
Can something be both accessible and obtainable?
Yes, a resource can be both easy to reach and possible to acquire, like a readily available and achievable online course.
Is accessibility related to usability?
Yes, accessibility often implies ease of use and convenience for a wide range of users.
Does obtainable imply effort?
Yes, obtainable usually suggests that some effort or action is needed to acquire or achieve something.
Does accessible always mean physically reachable?
No, accessible can also mean easy to understand or use, such as accessible language.
What does accessible mean?
Accessible means something can be easily reached, entered, or used.
Can a place be accessible but not obtainable?
Not typically, as accessibility usually refers to ease of physical or digital entry, whereas obtainable pertains to acquiring something.
What is an example of something obtainable?
A scholarship that can be earned through good grades and an application process is obtainable.
What is an example of something accessible?
A website designed for people with disabilities is an example of something accessible.
Is accessibility important for digital content?
Yes, ensuring digital content is accessible is crucial for inclusivity.
Can obtainable refer to intangible things?
Yes, obtainable can refer to intangible achievements like goals or milestones.
Can a goal be both accessible and obtainable?
Yes, if the goal is easy to pursue and achievable with effort, it can be both accessible and obtainable.
How does accessibility benefit society?
Accessibility ensures that all individuals, regardless of ability, can participate fully in various activities and access services.
What makes something obtainable for most people?
Clear pathways, available resources, and achievable criteria make something obtainable for most people.
Is accessibility legally required in some contexts?
Yes, accessibility is legally mandated in many contexts, such as public buildings and websites, to ensure equal access for all.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
