Cool MateAcquisition
UK /["/ˌækwɪˈzɪʃn/"]/US /["/ˌækwɪˈzɪʃn/"]/
Definition
the act of getting something, especially knowledge, a skill, etc.
In simple words: When you get something, like a company or skill.
Examples
- theories of child language acquisition
- His latest acquisition is a racehorse.
- The money will be spent on acquisitions for the university library.
- They have made acquisitions in several EU countries.
- the acquisition of shares by employees
- The group has announced its first overseas acquisition: a successful software company.
- The company has just made another acquisition.
Usage notes
Used in business contexts to describe obtaining a company or asset. Less appropriate in casual conversations.
Grammar pattern
acquisition + object
Memory hint
Think of 'a-quire' like getting something new.
Collocations
- big
- major
- substantial
- complete
- make
- big
- major
- substantial
- complete
- make
- big
- major
- substantial
- complete
- make
Synonyms
- purchase
- procurement
- obtainment
- capture
- acquirement
Antonyms
- divestiture
- sale
Common mistakes
- Confusing with 'acquire' which refers to the action of getting.
- Using it in informal contexts where simpler words like 'buy' are better.
- Mispronouncing the word with emphasis on the wrong syllable.