Definition of Acquisition
Quick Meaning of Acquisition
When a business gets a new customer or buys another company. Also means getting something you didn't have before.
Detailed Definition of Acquisition
The process of gaining, obtaining, or purchasing a new customer, company, asset, or resource, especially in a business or marketing context.
How to Pronounce Acquisition
Stress pattern: ooOo (4-syllable word).
Tip: ak-wih-ZISH-un. Stress the third syllable: ak-wih-ZIH-shun (4 syllables). Say it carefully: ak-kwuh-ZISH-un.
Watch out: Learners sometimes mispronounce as 'ak-WI-zish-un' (stress on second syllable) or 'ak-wi-SI-shun' (correct stress but rushed syllables). Always stress the third syllable clearly: ak-wih-ZIH-shun.
Origin and Etymology of Acquisition
From Latin 'acquisitio' (the act of acquiring). 'Acquire' comes from 'ad-' (to) + 'quaerere' (to seek, search). The term entered English in the 15th century and became central to business vocabulary in the 20th century with the rise of mergers and marketing.
How to Use Acquisition in a Sentence
Each example shows “acquisition” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“The acquisition of new customers is essential for business growth.”
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“Our company announced the acquisition of a smaller competitor last month.”
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“We spent millions on customer acquisition this quarter.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Acquisition
Common Synonyms for Acquisition
Smart Synonyms for Acquisition — When to Use Each
- purchase
- Emphasizes the buying transaction and payment aspect
- procurement
- More formal; common in government and supply chain
- obtaining
- More general; applies to gaining anything through any
- gaining
- Broadest term; no implication of payment required
Common Collocations with Acquisition
These phrases pair with “acquisition” in everyday English:
- customer acquisition
- acquisition strategy
- acquisition cost
- make an acquisition
- acquisition target
Common Mistakes When Using Acquisition
Even fluent speakers slip up with “acquisition”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: The acquisition are costly for our company.
- ✓ Correct: The acquisition is costly for our company.
- Why: Acquisition is singular when referring to one purchase or process; use 'is' not 'are'. Use 'are' only with plural 'acquisitions'.
- ✗ Wrong: We need to improving our acquisition strategy.
- ✓ Correct: We need to improve our acquisition strategy.
- Why: 'Need to' is followed by the base verb form, not the gerund '-ing' form.
- ✗ Wrong: The company focused on acquiring new customers without a acquisition plan.
- ✓ Correct: The company focused on acquiring new customers without an acquisition plan.
- Why: Use 'an' before vowel sounds; 'acquisition' starts with the vowel 'a' sound, so use 'an acquisition' not 'a acquisition'.
Other Forms of Acquisition
- Noun: acquisition
Frequently Asked Questions About Acquisition
What is the meaning of "Acquisition"?
When a business gets a new customer or buys another company. Also means getting something you didn't have before.
How do you pronounce "Acquisition"?
The IPA is /ˌækwɪˈzɪʃən/. ak-wih-ZISH-un. Stress the third syllable: ak-wih-ZIH-shun (4 syllables). Say it carefully: ak-kwuh-ZISH-un.
What part of speech is "Acquisition"?
"Acquisition" is a noun at C1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Acquisition"?
Common synonyms include purchase, procurement, obtaining.
How do you use "Acquisition" in a sentence?
For example: "The acquisition of new customers is essential for business growth."