Accessible vs. Obtainable: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 28, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 28, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 28, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 28, 2023
Comparison Chart
ADVERTISEMENT
Digital Usage
Describes user-friendly designs for all users
Describes items/services one can acquire
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 28, 2023
Accessible and Obtainable Definitions
ADVERTISEMENT
Obtainable
Easily approached or entered.
The park is accessible by both car and public transportation.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
Accessible
Obtainable or reachable.
The remote village is only accessible by boat.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Accessible
Easily approached or entered.
The park is accessible by both car and public transportation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Obtainable
Obtainable or reachable.
The remote village is only accessible by boat.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Accessible
Usable by people with disabilities.
The website is accessible to visually impaired users.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
Obtainable
Understandable to people.
The professor made complex theories accessible to all students.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Accessible
Easily approached or entered
The stadium is accessible via public transportation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Obtainable
Usable by people with disabilities.
The website is accessible to visually impaired users.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Obtainable
To succeed in gaining possession of as the result of planning or endeavor; acquire.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Obtainable
To be in existence, in effect, or customary
"standards, proprieties that no longer obtain" (Meg Greenfield).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Accessible
Designed for use by anyone regardless of physical ability
Remodeled the restroom to make it accessible.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Obtainable
Capable of being obtained;
Savings of up to 50 percent are obtainable
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Accessible
(specifically) Built or designed as to be usable by people with disabilities.
An accessible website
Accessible public transport
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Accessible
Easy of access or approach; approachable; as, an accessible town or mountain, an accessible person.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Accessible
Obtainable; to be got at.
The best information . . . at present accessible.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Accessible
Capable of being read with comprehension;
Readily accessible to the nonprofessional reader
The tales seem more approachable than his more difficult novels
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Accessible
Easily obtained;
Most students now have computers accessible
Accessible money
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Accessible
Easy to get along with or talk to; friendly;
An accessible and genial man
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Accessible
Understandable to people.
The professor made complex theories accessible to all students.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 28, 2023
Does "Accessible" always mean physically reachable?
No, "Accessible" can also refer to things that are easy to understand or approach mentally.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 28, 2023
Can a service be both accessible and obtainable?
Yes, a service can be easy to reach or use (accessible) and available for acquisition (obtainable).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 28, 2023
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).
Sara Rehman
Oct 28, 2023
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.
Sara Rehman
Oct 28, 2023
If something requires a lot of effort to get, is it obtainable?
Yes, it's obtainable but might not be easily obtainable.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 28, 2023
How does "Accessible" relate to people with disabilities?
"Accessible" can describe places, tools, or content designed for use without hindrance by those with disabilities.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 28, 2023
Why are accessible designs important in the digital world?
They ensure that everyone, including those with disabilities, can use and understand digital content.
Harlon Moss
Oct 28, 2023
Is "Obtainable" always about physical items?
No, it can also refer to abstract things like goals or skills.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 28, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 28, 2023
Can a concept or idea be obtainable?
In a metaphorical sense, yes. It means the idea can be grasped or understood with effort.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 28, 2023
Is accessibility only about physical spaces?
No, it also refers to digital spaces, concepts, and other areas where barriers might exist.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 28, 2023
Is something obtainable always accessible?
Not necessarily. Some items may be available for acquisition but hard to reach or use.
Janet White
Oct 28, 2023
Can a goal be accessible?
Yes, if it's perceived as easily achievable or within reach.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 28, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
