What does obtaining mean?
Obtaining means getting or gaining something, often through deliberate effort, an application, a request, or a series of necessary steps. In modern English it usually appears as a verb form, especially with helping verbs: “She is obtaining approval,” “They have obtained permission,” or “The results can be obtained online.” Its sense includes not merely receiving something but actively bringing it into one’s possession. The related noun use, “the obtaining of consent,” is more formal and appears especially in legal, academic, and administrative contexts. Although “obtain” can sometimes suggest receiving something already available, the activity implied by obtaining often involves persistence, negotiation, paperwork, or preparation. It is therefore a useful word when describing the process of securing something needed rather than simply describing a sudden or effortless acquisition.
To get or gain possession of something, especially by effort, application, or request; used here as the present participle of obtain.
"The team is obtaining approval from the local authority."
Commonly used with helping verbs to form the present perfect, past continuous, and passive constructions.
The act of getting or acquiring something.
"The obtaining of a visa required several supporting documents."
This is a formal gerund noun and is less common in everyday usage.
Obtaining is more than simply receiving: it often suggests effort, persistence, or the completion of a necessary process.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How obtaining is actually used
The form is most commonly used after a helping verb, as in “is obtaining,” “has obtained,” or “can be obtained.” As a noun, it is formal and less common in everyday speech.